July 7, 2003—The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new guide for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in cleaning industry employees. Produced in cooperation with cleaning industry employer representatives and union members, the guide outlines basic steps to recognize if a problem exists and to comply with current legal requirements for employers, cleaning contractors, and suppliers of cleaning equipment.
Case studies in the guide demonstrate the benefits of using mops with longer handles, buckets with wheels, trolleys for moving laundry, proper maintenance of equipment, low level sinks for bucket emptying, and properly located and designed materials and equipment storage. Other case studies focus on organizational changes such as job enlargement, team working, and better training.
Around 1.1 million people in Great Britain suffered from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused or made worse by work in 2001/02, with an estimated 12 million working days lost every year. Cleaners are particularly at risk because their work is demanding and labor intensive.
Caring for cleaners: Guidance and case studies on how to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, HSG234, ISBN 0-7176-2682-2, price 9.50, is available from HSE Books, tel.: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995.
