Thursday, November 23, 2006

Housekeeping

50% of all trip accidents are caused by bad housekeeping. Leaving flammable materials lying around can cause a fire risk, and any obstacles can hinder escape in a fire. Also, there is a cultural element to housekeeping with people tending to feel safety it more important if their workplace is tidy and well ordered.

* Ensure there is a suitable walkway through the workplace
* Keep it clear, no trailing wires, no obstructions.
* Make sure there are places to put waste materials and make sure people use them promptly after waste is produced (e.g. packaging, broken equipment and parts)
* Make sure there is enough room to store tools, equipment and supplies and make sure items are returned to the correct store immediately after use.

It is all simple stuff that does not cost any money. But it can have a big impact on safety and how people perceive the importance of safety.

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