Introduction to this document

Safety briefing - housekeeping

This briefing addresses the key risks and control measures needed to manage housekeeping.

What’s covered?

The aim of this Safety Briefing - Housekeeping is to ensure that all staff are fully aware of the potential risks associated with housekeeping and what they should do to minimise the chances of an accident/incident.

Hazards and risks

The briefing identifies hazards associated with poor housekeeping standards, including rubbish outside your premises, waste build-up in safety-critical locations, and increasing fire and slip and trip risks.

Management

Control measures include cleaning up after each shift, placing warning signs in appropriate places when there’s a spill, buying appropriate bins and training staff.

Key points

Attendees must take note of the following key points:

  • Give selected employees responsibilities to enforce housekeeping standards.
  • Segregate housekeeping waste into recyclable, inert and special waste, to reduce costs on disposal.
  • One of the biggest benefits is that you will have a new awareness of workplace safety.
  • Take special care when disposing of wrapping and packaging materials as they are usually lightweight and therefore have the potential to become a windblown nuisance.