December 4, 2024
Safety: Cleanliness is one of the cornerstones of safety
A safe working environment is the result of many different factors. One of the most important ones is cleanliness, which has a significant impact on both occupational safety and employee well-being.
A clean and organized workspace significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, and the responsibility for maintaining it lies with every team member.
– A tidy workspace allows for better visibility of potential hazards, such as exposed wires, damaged equipment, or spills. Passageways can become a risk factor just because of a single rotating or moving object on the floor. For example, a messy floor can hide electrical wires and cause tripping hazards, says Pasi Hannula, Safety Manager, Quant Finland.
– In addition, when the premises are tidy, any substances that could pose a health hazard can easily be cleaned off. These can include for example heavy metals, chemicals, and dust. Chemical substances can react with each other, and thus cause various hazards. In the same way, the spread of substances, even on shoe soles, can lead to serious health risks when working in, for example, the food industry or other sterile spaces, Hannula adds.
Reduce the risk of fire
Accumulated debris and flammable materials also increase the risk of fire. Regular cleaning and proper disposal of waste and unnecessary items significantly reduce this risk. Having tools and materials in their proper places also ensures that the spaces leading to the emergency exit are clear in the event of an emergency.
– In the event of an emergency, it is very important that routes, work areas, and rescue routes and equipment in our workplace are unobstructed and accessible. It is worth making sure that the basics are in place; regular cleaning schedules, designated storage areas, proper waste disposal, necessary safety training, and regular inspections. The best option is to always put things back where they belong immediately after use or handling, Hannula says.
It is also important not to forget what a positive effect clarity, tidiness and organization have from a psychological point of view. When things are in the right place and the workspace is tidy, it also affects your attitude. Let’s take an example: You go to the storehouse to look for your Christmas decorations.
- 1. There are all sorts of unnecessary and unclear stuff in the storehouse. You get frustrated right from the start because you do not know where to start searching. You move things from place to place, time passes, your thoughts wander, and you get blinded by the details.
- 2. The storage is neat and organized. Already on your way there, you have a pretty good idea of where the decorations are. The box is marked, and you find it right under the Halloween decorations. A few minutes passed and you are already decorating the apartment. No frustration or negative emotions, no risk factors.
– Every employee can influence the safety of the work environment through their own actions. By keeping their own workspace clean and tidy, they reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer work environment for themselves and their colleagues, Hannula says.
Also remember ergonomics, handling of chemicals, noise, and lighting. By following the guidelines below, you can create a safer and more pleasant working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
