Good housekeeping is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injuries on a jobsite. Poor housekeeping leads to slips, trips, falls, fire hazards, and struck-by incidents, while a clean work area improves safety, efficiency, and morale.
What Are Common Housekeeping Hazards?
Most housekeeping hazards are easy to spot once you look for them.
- Scrap materials left on the ground
- Tools scattered around work areas
- Extension cords and hoses across walkways
- Nails or sharp objects sticking out of wood
- Spilled liquids, mud, or ice
- Trash and packaging building up
What Are Good Housekeeping Practices?
Keep the area clean throughout the shift, not just at the end of the day.
- Clean as you go, picking up debris and materials throughout the shift
- Keep walkways clear so access paths, exits, and work areas stay free of tools, cords, and materials
- Store materials properly by stacking them neatly and securely so they do not fall or block paths
- Dispose of waste correctly using designated trash containers and scrap bins
- Remove hazards immediately by pulling nails from scrap lumber and cleaning spills right away
Who Is Responsible for Housekeeping?
Housekeeping is not just one person’s job. Every worker is responsible for keeping their work area clean and safe, and supervisors can support it by providing trash bins and scrap containers, scheduling regular cleanup times, and ensuring proper storage areas for materials.
If you bring it in, clean it up. If you see it, fix it.
