Safe Use of Push Brooms
A safety talk focused on push broom hazards, including dust exposure, repetitive strain, debris handling, sharp objects, walking paths, and proper cleanup methods.
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Key Hazards
- Dust inhalation during dry sweeping
- Repetitive strain from poor sweeping posture
- Sharp debris such as glass, nails, wire, or metal shavings
- Debris pushed into walkways or equipment paths
- Slips and trips from piles left behind
- Using damaged or incorrect brooms for the task
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Push brooms are common housekeeping tools, but sweeping can still create dust, strain, slip, trip, and sharp-object hazards when it is not done carefully.
Workers should identify what is being swept before starting. Dust, metal chips, broken glass, nails, chemical residue, wood scraps, or wet material may require different cleanup methods.
Dry sweeping can put dust into the air. If fine dust, silica, chemical residue, or other hazardous material is present, dry sweeping may not be appropriate.
The broom should be inspected before use. A cracked handle, loose head, worn bristles, or broken frame can reduce control and increase strain.
Workers should use controlled movements and avoid twisting, overreaching, or pushing too much material at once.
Debris should be collected and disposed of properly, not pushed into drains, corners, doorways, under equipment, or active walking paths.
Sharp debris should be handled with tools and PPE. Workers should not pick up glass, wire, nails, or metal shavings with bare hands.
Safe push broom use supports housekeeping by removing floor hazards without creating dust exposure, strain, or new hazards for other workers.
Safety Reminders
- Identify the debris before sweeping.
- Avoid dry sweeping hazardous dust unless approved.
- Inspect the broom before use.
- Use controlled motions to reduce strain.
- Keep debris out of walkways and equipment paths.
- Use tools or PPE for sharp debris.
- Dispose of swept material properly.
Ask the Crew
- What material is being swept?
- Could sweeping create dust exposure?
- Is the broom in good condition?
- Are debris piles kept out of walkways?
- Is sharp or hazardous material being handled safely?