Ergonomics has become a big buzzword throughout many different industries, especially in the areas of cleaning and maintenance. Ergonomics has become so popular in recent years for good reason, it aids in preventing injuries and increasing task completion efficiency.
Today we’re going to be talking all about ergonomics, what it is and more benefits of incorporating it into your cleaning jobs. Are you searching for affordable janitorial supplies that will help you clean stains quickly? Look no further than SoyBase Clean! Call us today and ask for a free sample!
What Is Ergonomics?
The U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that cleaning personnel are the fifth most likely group to be injured while working. This is because most cleaning tasks require constant, strenuous activities that can wreak havoc on muscles and joints. When you combine awkward postures and long work shifts, the chances of getting hurt increases.
An ergonomic product has been specifically designed to fit the worker and how he or she does their job, rather than forcing the worker to fit the piece of equipment. Using ergonomic products helps to reduce stresses on the body which also reduces worker injury. Ergonomic products help workers complete their tasks more efficiently because of the specialized design features.
The Ergonomics of Facility Cleaning
Tools and Equipment
Keep these tips in mind when it comes to purchasing or providing cleaning equipment to your cleaning staff.
- Vacuums should be purchased with comfortable handles and grips that conform with the user’s hands. Vacuums should also be lightweight with minimal vibrations. Vacuums with larger wheels and bush assistance can help reduce worker stress.
- When purchasing new equipment, know that noise can create fatigue and distractions. Look for quieter operating machines for vacuums and floor cleaners. Also provide headphones and earplugs as needed.
- Purchase lightweight buckets and mops. Consider making a move to microfiber flat mops instead of traditional string mops. Microfiber flat heads are lighter to handle and easier to work with.
Training Tips
You should also focus on training your cleaning employees on how to use their tools, equipment, and perform their tasks properly. This type of ergonomic training can also reduce injury among your workers. We’ve listed a few of the key concepts we feel you should incorporate.
- Mopping jobs should be performed with feet moving from side to side. This will reduce upper body strain.
- Workers should always look ahead when cleaning, not down. Looking down at the surface being cleaned causes neck strain while looking ahead keeps the neck stretched out.
- Always have your workers bend at the knees, not at the waist, to prevent strain.
- When using equipment with handles, keep a relaxed grip. Tightly squeezing will increase hand and wrist strain.
- Carts or buggies should always be used when transporting heavy trash bags. Trash should also be lifted and placed into dumpsters, not tossed or thrown. Tossing requires a twisting motion which can damage your back.
We hope these tips on ergonomics will help reduce the injuries to your employees, and help them be more productive and efficient in their cleaning jobs. They will also feel better at the end of their shift.
Industrial Janitorial Supplies and Degreaser Products for Commercial Cleaning
Cox Industries has been making the best commercial degreaser products on the market for over thirty years. Soybase Clean is all you need to make sure all of your surfaces, both inside and out, are clean as a whistle. We can even customize your order to disinfect to help ensure everyone in your facility stays well this cold and flu season. Send us a purchase order today and more than likely we can ship it out today. Give us a call if you have any questions.