Workplace Housekeeping

• Trips caused by tools, cords, hoses, boxes, scrap, and other clutter
• Slips caused by water, oil, chemicals, dust, mud, or loose material
• Blocked exits, walkways, electrical panels, or emergency equipment
• Cuts or punctures from improperly discarded sharp materials
• Falling or shifting materials caused by poor storage and stacking
• Fire hazards from accumulated trash, packaging, dust, or combustible waste

Workplace housekeeping is more than making an area look clean. Good housekeeping controls hazards that can lead to slips, trips, falls, cuts, fires, blocked access, damaged equipment, and inefficient work.

Housekeeping should be continuous throughout the shift. Waiting until the end of the day allows small problems such as loose packaging, scrap material, cords, spills, and misplaced tools to build into larger hazards.

Walking and working surfaces should remain as clear as practical. Tools, cords, hoses, carts, containers, and materials should be positioned so workers do not have to step over, walk around, or squeeze between unnecessary obstacles.

Spills and leaks should be addressed promptly using the appropriate procedure for the material involved. Warning signs or barricades may be needed until the area can be cleaned and made safe.

Exits, aisles, stairs, ladders, electrical panels, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, emergency equipment, and access routes should not become storage areas. Workers must be able to reach these locations when they are needed.

Materials should be stored in stable locations and stacked so they cannot fall, roll, slide, or collapse. Sharp scrap, broken materials, nails, wire, blades, and similar waste should be collected and discarded safely.

Production and maintenance work can create dust, chips, oily rags, packaging, scrap, and other waste. These materials should be controlled and removed often enough that they do not create fire, air-quality, slip, or equipment hazards.

Everyone has a role in housekeeping. Correct simple hazards when it is safe to do so, report conditions that require additional help, and leave the work area safe for the next person who enters it.

• Keep aisles, walkways, stairs, and exits clear.
• Clean up spills and leaks promptly.
• Organize tools, cords, hoses, and materials.
• Keep emergency equipment and electrical panels accessible.
• Store and stack materials securely.
• Dispose of sharp and combustible waste properly.
• Address housekeeping throughout the shift, not only at cleanup time.

• What housekeeping hazards are present in our work area right now?
• Are walkways, exits, panels, and emergency equipment clear?
• Do any spills, leaks, cords, hoses, or loose materials need attention?
• Are stored materials stable and properly organized?
• What can the crew clean up or correct before work continues?