GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
Workplace housekeeping may be defined as activities undertaken to create or maintain an
orderly, clean, tidy and safe working environment. Effective housekeeping can eliminate many
workplace hazards and help get work done safely and properly.
Good housekeeping training plays a critical role in minimizing material handling incidents,
boosting morale, and cultivating a healthier environment for all. Forklift certifications and
hazard communication training often top the checklist of required trainings for material
handling employees.
The 5S pillars, Sort (Seiri), Set in Order (Seiton), Shine (Seiso), Standardize (Seiketsu), and
Sustain (Shitsuke), provide a methodology for organizing, cleaning, developing, and sustaining a
productive work environment.
Potential incidents associated with poor housekeeping include slips, trips, fires and injuries from
falling or protruding objects. Good housekeeping reduces the likelihood of these events and
reflects on your organization's overall commitment to safety.
Good housekeeping is considered as the backbone of accommodation sector as its main aim is to
provide a clean comfortable, safe and aesthetically appealing environment. Housekeeping is an
operational department of the hotel.
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
THESE SIMPLE TIPS CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR
TOOLBOX TALK DELIVERY:
1. PREPARE YOUR TALK.
2. KEEP IT SIMPLE (AND SHORT)
3. PRACTICE FIRST.
4. STAY ON TOPIC.
5. PACE YOURSELF.
6. DON'T BE BORING.
7. BE POSITIVE.
8. CONNECT WITH YOUR TEAM.
A toolbox meeting, or toolbox talk, is a short periodical consultation at work intended to make
everybody aware of the different safety aspects and dangers at the work site, The purpose of a
toolbox talk is to increase safety in the workplace.
Why is good housekeeping at workplace important?
Good housekeeping is important because it helps in preventing accidents, reducing fire
hazards, and ensuring a safe working environment. It also reflects the professionalism of
the workforce and helps in maintaining a positive image of the company in front of
clients and visitors.
What are the hazards of poor housekeeping?
Poor housekeeping can create various hazards in the workplace, such as slips, trips, and
falls, fire hazards, blocked access ways, and material handling hazards. It can also result
in damage to equipment and materials.
How to maintain good housekeeping?
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
To maintain good housekeeping, we need to ensure that the workplace is clean, orderly,
and free of any unnecessary materials or debris. Here are some tips to maintain good
housekeeping:
1. Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning of the workplace, including floors, walls, and
equipment, helps in maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
2. Proper material management: Proper material management is important in maintaining
good housekeeping. It involves storing materials in designated areas, labelling them, and
keeping them in an organized manner. Always take the required material from the
material yard and return extra materials to the yard or store.
3. Waste management: Proper commercial waste management is important in maintaining
a clean and safe working environment. Waste materials and rubbish are a fire risk and
an accident hazard, so we should collect waste at a designated location by waste type.
Waste containers shall be located at suitable places on the site. Food bins have tightly
fitting lids, and food waste should be removed from the site not less than once per day.
Oily rags can ignite spontaneously, so always dispose of them properly.
4. Tool management: Tools should be kept in the toolbox when not in use, and the toolbox
should be kept in a designated area. This helps in preventing injuries and accidents due
to misplaced or scattered tools.
5. Blocked access ways: Do not block any access or walkway by material or waste. This can
lead to accidents and hinder the evacuation process in case of an emergency.
Conclusion:
Maintaining good housekeeping is essential in ensuring a safe and
productive workplace. It helps in preventing accidents, reducing fire
hazards, and maintaining a positive image of the company. As
responsible employees, it is our duty to maintain good housekeeping and
material management at the workplace. Let’s make a conscious effort to
keep our workplace clean and safe.
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
