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Each week in June the safety message will focus on helping you to identify risks and tips for keeping yourself and each other safe. This week’s topic focuses on Effective Workplace Housekeeping. To some people, the word “housekeeping” calls to mind cleaning floors and surfaces, removing dust, and organizing clutter. 

But in a work setting, it means much more. Housekeeping is crucial to safe workplaces. It can help prevent injuries and improve productivity and morale, as well as make a good first impression on visitors, according to Cari Gray, safety consultant for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. It also can help an employer avoid potential fines for non-compliance.

The practice extends from traditional offices to industrial workplaces, including factories, warehouses and manufacturing plants that present special challenges such as hazardous materials, combustible dust and other flammables. Experts agree that all workplace safety programs should incorporate housekeeping, and every worker should play a part. In addition, housekeeping should have management’s commitment so workers realize its importance. The National Safety Council has 11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping.