Common Occupational Risks Your Staff Faces on the Job

Most people are aware of the dangers inherent in jobs such as crab fishing, policing, and installing high-voltage power lines, but the janitorial workplace also has many risks. In fact, the NIH concluded in a recent study that “...janitorial service workers comprise a large vulnerable occupational group in the U.S. workforce.” A story broadcast on NPR (National Public Radio) stated that janitors' on-the-job injury rates rank higher than both “heavy equipment operators and tractor-trailer truck drivers.“ According to data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), janitors and cleaners had the third highest incidence of injuries needing time away from work in 2015.

The injuries resulted from:

• Overexertion and bodily reaction (16,480)
• Falls, slips, and trips (12,300)
• Contact with objects and equipment (9,550)

As of 2020, there were 2.38 million janitors in the U.S. They experienced workplace injuries severe enough to need time away from work at a rate 2.7 times higher than workers in other occupations. This is clearly something to be concerned about.

You want your employees to stay safe and healthy because you care about them, but also because employee absences are expensive and difficult to juggle, especially in this time of staff shortages.  

It's important to remember that most occupational injuries and many workplace illnesses are preventable. Let's look at some of the major workplace hazards facing your staff:

1. Exposure to hazardous chemicals and cleaning agents: Your cleaning technicians should always be provided with personal protective equipment, such as:
   
   

• Protective eyewear
• Disposable gloves
• Splash aprons
• Facemasks and respirators

Training and sensible procedures go a long way in reducing the hazards of cleaning agents. For example, spraying chemicals onto microfiber cloths instead of directly onto surfaces limits airborne particles. All cleaning chemicals should have safety data sheets, and all containers should have labels. You can read more about safety procedures to use around hazardous materials in our blog, Hazard Communication Program and Chemical Safety for Cleaning Companies.

1. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens: These are infectious microorganisms found in human blood and other bodily fluids that can cause diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Preventing exposure to these pathogens is also a question of equipment and appropriate training. The Janitorial Store offers an OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogens training video to both members (at a reduced cost) and non-members.
   
   
2. Slips, trips, and falls: There were 805 deaths of U.S. workers from workplace falls in 2020. In addition, 211,640 workers who slipped or fell on the job were injured badly enough to need days off work. How do these preventable accidents occur?

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven work surfaces
• Items on the floor, such as boxes, cables, or wires
• Inappropriate footwear
• Insufficient lighting
• Open drawers or file cabinets
• Obstructed view of steps or stairs
• Curling or wrinkled rugs, carpets, or mats

You can read about Preventing Slips and Falls in the workplace in our article, one of the many workplace safety materials available at The Janitorial Store.

1. Musculoskeletal disorders: These are a result of repetitive motion, especially when workers overexert themselves. Almost any item in the commercial cleaning industry can be heavy and cause injury, especially if workers don't have protocols about the correct ways to lift and carry them.
   
   

• Ergonomic injuries can result from poor posture or repetitive strain; they are extremely common, making up more than 33% of all workplace injuries. Back injuries alone, particularly to the lower back, account for 20% of all workplace injuries. You can read more details in our article, Preventing Back Injuries for Janitorial Workers.
• Educate your employees on how to lift correctly, and institute workplace rules that prevent throwing heavy items or carrying too much at a time.
• Make sure that stretch breaks are provided and that your workers know how to pay attention to the strains placed on their bodies.
• Using backpack vacuums or canister vacuums can also put a strain on the upper body if they are not used correctly. For example, many workers don't take the time or have the knowledge to adjust backpack vacuums for their size and height, which can cause long-term shoulder and back issues.
  
  

1. Stress: This is far more than a vaguely annoying inconvenience. Constant exposure to stress can cause physical problems that require time off work and that can have long-reaching effects.  For example, stress can cause problems such as:
   
   

• Digestive issues
• Headaches
• Fatigue and insomnia
• Irritability
• High blood pressure
• Loss of ability to concentrate (which can lead to mistakes that could cause workplace accidents)
• Compromised immune systems, lead to more frequent colds and infections

Some of the conditions that cause or heighten stress for janitorial workers can be controlled. For example, commercial cleaners report feeling stressed because of these common factors:

• Poor communication with supervisors
• Constantly changing shifts
• New equipment or procedures that they are insufficiently trained for
• Overwork

Investing time in safety training, both when you onboard new workers and when you update procedures, is crucial when it comes to keeping your employees safe. You will increase morale by providing an organized environment where people feel valued and taken care of. You will also increase profitability because you will have to deal with fewer sick or injury days, not to mention additional workers' compensation fees.

At The Janitorial Store, we are committed to partnering with you as you grow your cleaning business. Our database of resources is a “goldmine” for small business owners like yourself. Whether you are in the early stages of building your business or are a well-established owner, this website offers a wealth of in-depth information, resources, and training that you won't find anywhere else on the Internet.