| Ergonomics has been a "buzzword" throughout many | | | | wrists. Large wheels help cut down on vibrations. |
| office buildings these days, but it is an area that | | | | · Noise can cause fatigue and lower |
| many in the cleaning industry have not addressed. | | | | productivity. Look for quieter operating machines |
| Understanding ergonomics along with using | | | | when purchasing vacuums and floor machines. |
| ergonomically designed products and procedures in | | | | · Buckets and mops should be lightweight. |
| your cleaning business can prevent injuries and help | | | | Consider using a microfiber flat mop as they are |
| your employees perform their routine tasks better | | | | lighter and easier to handle than the traditional string |
| and more efficiently. | | | | mops. |
| The U.S. Department of Labor statistics suggests | | | | · Sprayers should have ergonomically |
| that of all types of labor in America, cleaning | | | | designed handles that fit well into a user's hand. |
| personnel were fifth most likely to be injured on the | | | | Textured grips improve handling. |
| job. In the janitorial industry, many of the injuries that | | | | Cleaning workers should also be trained on how to |
| occur are muscle and joint pain and other related | | | | perform cleaning tasks properly. This will help to |
| injuries. These injuries can be caused by the | | | | minimize injuries. Following are a few key concepts to |
| constant, strenuous activity that is placed on cleaning | | | | incorporate into your training program: |
| workers. Problems can occur as workers use | | | | · When mopping workers should move their |
| awkward postures and positions that are sustained | | | | feet from side to side to reduce upper body strain. |
| for long periods of time. Rinsing out heavy mops, | | | | · When cleaning, workers should stand |
| washing down floors and walls, and lifting heavy trash | | | | upright and practice looking up - as opposed to |
| barrels can strain the back, neck, shoulders and | | | | always looking down at the surface being cleaned. |
| wrists. The problem intensifies as much of the work | | | | Looking up will help to stretch the neck. Workers |
| your employees do is repetitive. | | | | should also take breaks at regular intervals. |
| So what is an ergonomic product? Ergonomic | | | | · Workers should bend at the knees, not at |
| products are designed to fit the worker, rather than | | | | the back. |
| physically forcing the worker to fit the equipment. | | | | · A relaxed grip should be used when |
| The objective of using ergonomic products is to | | | | handling tools and equipment to reduce hand and |
| reduce stress on the body. Plus, using ergonomic | | | | wrist strain. |
| products and performing cleaning tasks properly can | | | | · Use carts to transport heavy trash. Bags |
| help minimize injury. | | | | should be lifted and put into dumpsters and not |
| By incorporating ergonomic equipment and techniques | | | | tossed or thrown. |
| in to your business procedures, you can help your | | | | The cleaning industry as a whole has been slow to |
| workers stay injury free and increase their | | | | improve on the ergonomics of cleaning equipment |
| productivity. | | | | and in training their employees on proper cleaning |
| · When buying a vacuum make sure the | | | | techniques. Those businesses that do start to |
| handle is comfortable to the grip and conforms to | | | | integrate ergonomics into their procedures will have a |
| the user's hands. The vacuum should also be | | | | major advantage over other cleaning firms. Making a |
| lightweight. Brush assisted movement helps reduce | | | | few simple adjustments in purchasing and training, will |
| stress and makes vacuuming easier. The vibrations of | | | | help your employees be more productive and |
| vacuums is a risk factor as it affects arms and | | | | contribute to the success of your business. |