Risk Alert for Senior Living Communities

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Preventing Injuries to Housekeeping Employees

Every year, Church Mutual senior living customers report more than 500 injuries to their employees. One occupation needing specific risk management attention is housekeeping employees.

Employees in this category include those whose primary job is cleaning or light-duty janitorial. Past claims provide insight into key safety issues to help prevent similar injuries. Use the following guidelines to help evaluate, develop and implement good risk management practices and procedures for housekeeping employees:

Lifting Strains

• Instruct employees about proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques.
• Institute a team lifting policy when carrying tables or handling large, heavy or bulky items.
• Supply easy-to-use vacuum cleaners that have adjustable handles and are lightweight.
• Plan the day’s workload. Perform heavier tasks at the beginning of the work shift before fatigue starts.

Slips, Trips and Falls

• Arrange furniture, telephone and electrical cords and supplies to minimize slip-and-fall hazards.
• Require all employees to wear slip-resistant footwear.
• Train employees on the proper use of mops and other cleaning equipment used to maintain floors.
• Promote safe handling of materials. Do not carry objects that block vision.

Struck by or Collision With Objects

• Place mirrors at corners or other visually obstructed areas to help reduce collisions.
• Maintain clutter-free storage areas. Always return cleaning equipment to their proper storage location after use.
• Clearly mark and define walkways. Keep carts out of hallways when not in use.
• Mark or pad obstructions that cannot be removed to help reduce the possibility of direct contact or injury if contact occurs.

Cuts, Punctures and Scrapes

• Focus attention on the work being performed. Inattentiveness is a top cause of lacerations.
• Require employees to wear personal protective equipment. Make gloves available where appropriate.
• Dispose of used needles promptly in appropriate sharps disposal containers.
• Do not use hands or feet to manually compact trash.

For a complete collection of the Risk Alert for Senior Living Communities series, click here.