This training presentation reviews Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for safety in the workplace as it relates to the job of our company custodians.
Keeping yourself and others safe as you complete your daily cleaning duties is an important part of your
job. The presentat...

Employee safety is very important to our company. As a custodial employee, it is your responsibility to follow safety procedures and adhere to company safety policies at each and every work location. This will keep you free from injury and help to reduce hazards. Proper workplace safety will prev...

Frequent handling of materials can cause sprains and strains, especially when dealing with large, heavy objects and because of improper carrying and moving techniques.

How you operate and stock your cleaning cart can impact the risk of injuring yourself or others while on the job. Ergonomics and lifting safety come into play, as does the risk for accidents that can cause personal injury or injuries to other employees.

Avoiding Other Cleaning Injuries and Accidents

▪ Mopping - When mopping, keep your back straight and choose lightweight equipment that will allow you to remain upright. Bend your knees – not your back. Hold the mop handle just below waist level with your dominant hand. Push and pull with that hand, using a horizontal figure-eight motion, stea...

Always keep the vacuum aligned with your body. Avoid twisting. The vacuum cleaner should be adjusted to a comfortable height. Remember to alternate hands to avoid fatigue and repetitive motion.

PPE is essential for protecting custodial staff from workplace hazards, injuries and accidents. Items include hard hats, safety goggles and glasses, noise-reducing headphones and earplugs, various types of gloves, protective footwear, brightly colored articles of clothing, aprons and vests, speci...

Hand and finger injuries are common in the workplace. OSHA standards are specific on appropriate types of gloves and protection needed to protect workers’ hands from a variety of hazards. Different gloves are designed for completing certain tasks and preventing exposure and injuries based on the ...

To meet OSHA requirements, employers must take action to protect employees from hazards that include airborne particles, chemicals in gas or liquid form, and infectious materials. Eye protection must be worn when performing tasks that include:
● Cleaning tasks
● Chemical use
● Operation of ma...

Proper disposal techniques reduce contamination, cuts, and other injuries caused by improper waste handling.

Institutions tracking and reporting accidents find that falls are the cause of most employee accidents and injuries at the jobsite. Wet or slippery floors, forgotten trash bags, or other objects left on steps or in hallways can be culprits of this common injury. Caution signs are often used as ba...

Accidents at work frequently happen when climbing between levels, as in stairways. Loose clothing, excessively long pants, or an untied shoelace are just a few examples of potentially dangerous and common tripping hazards that cause falls when climbing stairs.

Falls that happen while using ladders are one of the major causes of workplace death and injury. Employees are required to follow safety policies which prohibit climbing on chairs or other objects and the use of unsafe ladders. Always use care when choosing and using a ladder or folding stool. Ne...

While it seems like elevators are a very safe way to access multiple levels, it is important to understand the risks and hazards to avoid, as well as some safety guidelines for their use. You should be knowledgeable about procedures in case the elevator would stall somehow malfunction.

Without using chemicals, custodians couldn’t complete cleaning tasks. Although chemicals are considered hazardous substances and have a number of handling risks, they can be safe for use, storage, and disposal as long as the right precautions are in place.

We have already discussed the importance of using personal protective equipment. Chemical safety requires protection using gloves, goggles, and special clothing to avoid skin contact, as well as contact with the eyes and face. Gloves and other PPE must be inspected and replaced if there are sign...

Proper storage and disposal of chemical and their containers are part of company safety policies.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Blood is a major source of body fluid contamination. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needle sticks and ...

Another workplace risk encountered by custodial staff is hazards that are electrical in nature. Always obey the procedures for electrical safety when using any equipment supplied by electrical power. Be cautious, take your time, and be sure to fully understand instructions as to how to operate an...

Fires in the workplace generally have causes related to electricity, chemicals, and employee carelessness. The best fire safety prevention is proper housekeeping practices along with emergency fire management procedures. While all fires may not be preventable, the damages they cause can be limited.

Despite OSHA regulations and the efforts of employers, four million workers sustain serious injuries annually and more than 4,500 deaths happen each year in the workplace.

As a reminder, your role as custodian puts you in frequent contact with microorganisms and chemicals, so please wash your hands as often as possible as you complete your job duties and cleaning tasks.

All employees receive periodic training and training reviews on safety procedures and policies.
Most accidents are caused by someone’s actions. Please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor if you have any safety related questions or concerns.