How good housekeeping can promote worker safety

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, in partnership with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, issued tips March 19 to help waste and recycling workers create a cleaner workplace and prevent workplace accidents as part of their Safety Monday initiative. These tips are based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) 29 CFR 1915.81 housekeeping requirements.

While OSHA mandates stipulate that workers must clear working surfaces of waste and debris after each shift or job, practicing good housekeeping throughout the day can help workers reduce the chance of illness and avoid accidents that can lead to injury.

Below are the following tips for practicing better housekeeping:

1. Store materials in a way that does not create hazards for workers.

2. Make sure working surfaces are free from all tools, materials and equipment not necessary to perform the job in progress.

3. Immediately eliminate slippery conditions from walkways and working surfaces.

• When not possible, access to such areas must be restricted and an alternate route established.

4. Ensure easy and open access to all exits, fire-alarm boxes, fire extinguishing equipment, electrical boxes, and fire call stations.

5. Walkways must provide adequate passage and be:

• Free from debris.

• Clear of tools, products, equipment, etc.

• Free from trip hazards, including hoses and cords, which must be placed above or underneath walkways or be covered.