The Importance of Housekeeping

When it comes to safety in the workplace, house keeping is a MAJOR issue!

As a result of a "that's not my job" or "I didn't do it, let somebody else fix it" mentality, hazards are being purposely overlooked too often.
 Not only is House Keeping important to you and your fellow employees, but also to your family, friends, and clients who visit your workplace.

With all of the rain we’ve had recently in the Western Cape, wet surfaces are a major House Keeping hazard, and need to be addressed immediately.

Consider this scenario: After a particularly heavy downpour, water has leaked through the ceiling creating a miniature swimming pool in the middle of the factory where you work. You’ve arrived early before anyone else only to discover the mess...

Being a safety conscious individual you follow the steps involved with dealing with a hazard:

1. Assess the Hazard.
   Which you have; there is water on the floor in the factory in an area where people work and will more than likely slip. There are also lights in that part of the ceiling and therefore there could quite possibly be wet wiring.
   
   
2. Find and Implement Solutions to those Hazards.
   Switch off the lights to avoid any possible electrical damage. It is still early and with no one around to help you, but aware that someone may arrive at any moment, you throw a towel down over the puddle to highlight it’s existance, while you go find a mop and bucket to clean up.
   
   As you are mopping up the water and drying the floor, other employees start to arrive. One of your fellow employees offers to contact the Factory Manager to deal with the possible damaged ceiling and wiring.
   
   
3. Assess whether the Solutions have Eliminated/Reduced the Hazard.
   Floor is now dry and someone qualified to deal with the ceiling and electrical wiring is on their way. However, you notice there is still a slow drip coming from the ceiling.
   
   
4. If a risk to Health and Safety still remains, Implement Sound Work Procedures, in depth training, and use PPE to further reduce the Hazard.
   Put up an appropriate sign notifying everyone that the floor is wet and slippery. Send a memo round to staff asking them to please take care. Place a bucket with a towel underneath to catch the drips.
   
   
5. Conduct Regular Inspections for other Hazards and for further improving existing solutions.
   Keep a copy of the Maintenance Report after the ceiling has been fixed and electrical wiring given the ok. You decide that a thick, course mat placed at that particular entrance would be a great idea, as it often becomes slippery when people enter from outside with wet shoes. Forward all your suggestions onto management. Keep a record of all the steps taken to fix the hazard and suggestions to reduce any future risk.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done and a hazard efficiently dealt with.

With all of this in mind, it is up to you to ensure that you create a safe, hazard-free work environment. And to help you become and stay a Safety concious individual, SKILLS has an entire range of Safety Training Courses for you to attend.

No matter what our jobs are: IT, Janitor, Engineer, Accountant, Receptionist…

We are ALL responsible for a safe workplace and House Keeping is a major part of that.

Daily Safety Tips for the Workplace

Creating a safe working environment not only means your employees have a safe place to work, it prevents unnecessary accidents... and lawsuits! By giving your company's employees a list of daily safety tips you will help them become more aware of the safety challenges within the workplace and learn how to prevent them.

Each workplace is different, but there are a few general safety tips that apply to most workplaces that can help you get started with a list.

1. Workplace Equipment

Your company's industry and services determine the type of equipment employees will be working with or around. Consider these different types of equipment your employees are faced with in their daily tasks so you can devise a detailed list of daily precautions.

Some common office safety procedures may include using computer virus protection programs, avoiding downloading unknown attachments, keeping walkways clear from wires and cords and keeping liquids away from electric equipment such as computers.

Some common safety considerations for factories or industrial environments include wearing safety gear such as goggles, turning machines off when not in use and inspecting equipment regularly.

2. Break Room & Kitchen Safety

Items used to cook, make and store food can pose safety risks in the workplace due to germs and fire hazards. Create a safety checklist for your company's break room and kitchen.

Some common safety precautions for workplace eating areas include turning off coffee makers after use, not placing flammable materials such as foil in the microwave, taking food home daily or weekly to keep the fridge clear of spoiled foods and washing hands before eating.

3. Germs & Diseases

Germs and diseases are a common workplace threat, as they can spread quickly and cause sickness and productivity losses. You can reduce the spread of germs in your workplace by encouraging employees to stay home when they are sick.

Incorporate bathroom and eating hygiene in your safety tips by including policies such as washing hands after using the restroom and washing hands before eating. Make sure eating and restroom areas are kept clean, and let employees know what they need to do to help keep these areas clean.

4. Personal Safety

Some common precautions are to have the last person to leave lock up the building and tell employees to ask for security escorts to the parking lot at night or when they feel at risk.

Have a clear no-weapons policy and no fighting policy. Having a no-tolerance policy for workplace harassment and bullying will also help your employees feel safer and prevent lawsuits.

As most companies vary you will most likely need to add one or two more tips applicable to your industry and workplace, giving your employees the safest possible workplace you can.

If you feel you need assistance on identifying all the hazards and risks in your workplace, then we suggest you give yourself the proper training required for such a task. For more information on all safety training courses, you may contact our call centre on 086 100 7742 or email skills@srg.co.za.

SKILLS at the OSH Expo!

For the third year in a row, Skills Resource Group will be exhibiting at the annual OHS Expo being held at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

The Expo will be open from:
18 June 2013 10:00 - 17:00
19 June 2013 10:00 - 17:00
20 June 2013 10:00 - 16:00

Why Visit OSH Expo 2013?
OSH EXPO Africa provides visitors with the opportunity to discover the widest range of industry innovations. Packed to the brim with products, services, networking opportunities, educational content, seminars and a thought-provoking conference programme – you simply cannot afford to miss OSH EXPO Africa 2013.

Learn more about how occupational safety and health is changing the way that organisations do business in South Africa when you visit this not-to-missed event.

You will find Skills in Hall 4 at Stand Number AA1.

Click here to download a more detailed floorplan.

Contact us on 086 100 7742 for your complimentary ticket, or register online. Alternatively you can visit the show on the day and complete the complementary ticket. The event is free to attend.

We hope to see you there!