"HOUSEKEEPING"

“Housekeeping” is the number one problem on construction sites. In fact, a large number of workplace incidents can be attributed to poor “housekeeping”.

Poor “housekeeping” contributes to incidents by creating hazards that can cause injuries. Other hazards may be taken for granted if the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills are accepted on the worksite.

What is the purpose of workplace “housekeeping”?

Poor “housekeeping” can be a cause of accidents, such as:

•  tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms

•  being hit by falling objects

•  slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces

•  striking against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material

•  cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails, wire or steel strapping.

To avoid these hazards, a workplace must "maintain" order throughout a workday.

Although this effort requires a great deal of management and planning, the benefits are many!