Any type of work activity entails a number of specific risks. For each of these, the potential danger will be greater or lesser, depending on the probability of an accident or undesirable event and also on the severity of the possible consequences associated with them. From this perspective, occupational risks in the cleaning sector have traditionally not been regarded as particularly significant. In other words, it is generally assumed that cleaning work does not involve activities such as risk high, in absolute terms of danger.
Despite this widespread belief, it can be seen that there are a host of risks that can lead to accidents at work whether minor or serious, as demonstrated by the sector’s workplace accident statistics for recent years. These statistics show that the average percentage of workplace accidents in the cleaning sector is distributed as follows.
The incidence of accidents associated with occupational risks in the cleaning sector
The falls from a height accounted for 18 % of the total number of accidents in the sector. Half of these, 9 %, are falls involving stairs, and the other half are falls not involving stairs. 14 % of the accidents were caused by extra effort and the same proportion, a further 14 % due to falls to the same level. The cuts and punctures accounted for 10 % of the total, whilst collisions in general accounted for 9 % of the accidents. In addition to these, and to a lesser extent, there were also being trapped, collisions, burns, inhalation of toxic substances and electric shocks.
But in addition to these risks that lead to workplace accidents, there are many others that lead to common illnesses and occupational diseases. For example, the musculoskeletal disorders, which are the main cause of sick leave amongst staff in the sector. As we all know, cleaning tasks are highly repetitive, often carried out using hand tools, and require excessive physical exertion and awkward postures.
The use of chemicals It is another significant risk factor in the sector, with the risk of exposure depending on the concentration of the chemical in the project and the way in which it is used.
And what about the psychosocial factors, On numerous occasions, workers in the cleaning sector carry out their duties outside normal working hours and are not part of the permanent staff. These working hours leave them excluded from the social network that develops amongst workers in a workplace. Not only that, but they are often subjected to unfair disparagement by other workers or have to endure gruelling, race-against-the-clock working days, day in, day out, as is the case with cleaning work in the hospitality industry.
In light of the above, it could be argued that claiming cleaning is a low-risk activity is perhaps a bit of a stretch.
Safety recommendations relating to cleaning
As we can see from the wide range of occupational hazards in the cleaning sector, the preventive measures and the safety recommendations for each and every one of them would be enough to fill a monograph. However, we can offer a series of general recommendations designed to prevent unsafe practices in cleaning workplaces.
For example, to avoid the risks associated with falls at different levels, It is recommended that you use only portable ladders in good condition and, if they are more than 5 metres long, must be guaranteed to be fully safe. In this regard, if work is carried out at a height of more than 3.5 metres, it must be carried out using a safety harness or similar equipment. Under no circumstances should makeshift equipment such as stacks of boxes, tables or radiators be used. If the stairs are fixed, Any damage observed in these areas must be reported, and they must be kept in a perfectly tidy and clean condition.
As for the scaffolding and mobile work platforms, They must be installed on level and sturdy bases, used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and kept tidy and clean. With regard to lifting equipment, it must be checked that it is in good working order, that the load is distributed across the base of the basket, in accordance with the recommended maximum weight, and that it must not be used in adverse weather conditions.
With regard to the falls to the same level, As falls and trips often occur due to a lack of tidiness and cleanliness, the guiding principle is to maintain good standards of tidiness and cleanliness in the workplace. Objects must not be left in passageways or in areas not designated for that purpose. Spills and leaks of liquids must be mopped up as quickly as possible, and warnings must be put up to indicate that the floor is wet. Broken materials and waste must be placed in the areas specifically designated for this purpose.
With regard to the prevention of electric shocks, Only electrical equipment with no faults in its safety features, wiring or plugs should be used. To switch off the equipment, pull the plug rather than the cable; in the event of a fault, the maintenance manager must be informed immediately. The safety features and any protective guards fitted to such equipment must always be observed.
What precautions should be taken when using chemicals?
There is a wide variety of cleaning products whose chemical composition poses a number of risks associated with their handling, which may result in burns, splashes, splashes into the eyes and the inhalation of corrosive and irritant vapours.
As regards the risks associated with the use of chemicals, this information is set out on its label and is extended by means of the International Chemical Safety Data Sheet (ICSD).
To have the FISQ from The use of these products is mandatory in the cleaning sector. This enables employers to establish safe working procedures and take measures to control and reduce risks. It also helps to provide workers with information and details that supplement those on the label. This fact sheet must must be provided with the first consignment of a hazardous chemical. It comprises 16 sections containing the information available in accordance with the guidelines set out in the regulations.
The most notable functions of the Safety Data Sheet are to provide information that enables to identify the product and the party responsible for its marketing. It also provides a telephone number for emergency enquiries. The FISQ must provide information on the risks and hazards of the product in relation to flammability, stability and reactivity, toxicity, potential injury or harm from inhalation, ingestion or skin contact, first aid and ecotoxicity.
The importance of ergonomics in cleaning work
The main ones ergonomic issues In cleaning tasks, these risks stem from factors such as posture, the repetitive nature of the task, the pace of work and the forces applied. General recommendations in this regard include using both hands when carrying out cleaning tasks and, where possible, performing smooth, continuous movements rather than straight movements with sudden changes of direction. You should not bend your spine excessively; try to keep your body upright at all times. This ensures that your body weight is distributed correctly and helps prevent permanent spinal deformities. It is not advisable to remain in the same position for too long, and it is recommended that you perform gentle stretching movements every hour to stretch your muscles.
With regard to the load handling Whenever possible, mechanical means should be used for transporting the load. If the load can only be handled manually, its weight must be determined and, depending on its shape and how difficult it is to grip, the appropriate measures must be taken. You should position yourself so that the load’s centre of gravity is as close as possible to your own centre of gravity, keeping your feet apart and one slightly ahead of the other to achieve a stable balance. In this position, grip the load firmly using the palms of your hands and fingers, keeping your arms close to your body so that your body bears the weight. Throughout the process, keep your back straight and your head slightly lowered; this reduces the risk of injury.
Of course, you must bend your legs and knees when lifting loads, so that the bulk of the effort is borne by the leg muscles rather than the back muscles. You should avoid twisting your body whilst carrying the load, and if you need to turn round, you should move your feet whilst keeping your torso facing the destination of the load.
What conclusions can we draw about health and safety in the cleaning sector?
The above covers occupational risks in the cleaning sector and general preventive measures, which can be found in day-to-day practice and in the relevant technical literature. We could even go into greater detail regarding very specific cleaning tasks, such as work at height. These are tasks that require a high degree of specialisation on the part of the workers, with a significant focus on prior education and training, as they may be carried out at great heights. We could also discuss the biological hazards the cleaning of certain premises may entail, such as hospitals, medical schools and health centres, amongst others. Given the specific nature of the subject, we will address these tasks in a separate article.
What we have sought to make clear here is that occupational risks in the cleaning sector – in the normal, day-to-day tasks associated with it – are far more significant and numerous than is generally believed.
