Ergonomics: the key to effective washroom cleaning
February 1st 2004 A claims culture is developing within the workplace. This upward trend was confirmed by a further rise in the number of personal injury claims made during 2003, according to market analysts Datamonitor*. But is this entirely surprising when we consider sectors such as the cleaning industry, where many workers still struggle with equipment such as wipers, buckets, mop heads, and cleaning supplies that are simply inadequate for todays tough cleaning challenges.
The experience for many cleaners working within washroom areas is an extremely tough one. The demands on their bodies can be intense with many of them having to crawl around in the dirt on their hands and knees, or contort their bodies to reach hard to get to fixtures or fittings. Not only can this result in pulls and strains, even the simple process of carrying or filling a heavy bucket of water can result in injury if the cleaner suddenly bends or turns.
It is easy to appreciate how such an injury can occur just by considering how a traditional mop bucket is emptied. The bucket will usually be lifted with one hand, while the dirty water is poured out into the sink by tipping the bucket with the other hand. With most buckets containing up to a gallon of water it is easy to understand the damage that can occur.
The solution lies with ergonomics, which refers to the general physical relationship between the user and the product while it is in use. In other words how comfortable and simple is it to operate or how easy is it to handle and carry?
Some cleaning equipment manufacturers such as Kaivac have been consciously incorporating ergonomics into their products for many years. Its No-Touch Cleaning systems are manufactured to fit the machine to the needs of the worker, providing them with all the tools they require in one easily assessable multi-tool unit. The systems also include a number of specific design features, which can make cleaning tasks more comfortable.
Firstly, the innovative cleaning process deployed by the No-Touch Cleaning system, can immediately relieve cleaners of having to stretch to reach hard to get to places as they can simply spray cleaning solution onto soiled fixtures and floors, blast these soils to the floor using pressurised water, and finally vacuum the floor dry to remove all the soils. This is achieved in a comfortable upright position.
Use of these cleaning systems can also help to eliminate the back strain typically experienced by users of the traditional mop and bucket cleaning technique, when emptying wastewater. Water can be simply emptied from the bottom of the multi-tool unit via a hose attachment straight into a nearby toilet or sink.
Some cleaning machines can be very difficult to move producing further strains on the body. It is especially important in larger premises where many washroom areas require maintenance that cleaning units can be easily transported around. Kaivacs No-Touch Cleaning systems are purposely sized and balanced with robust wheels and casters to ensure they can be easily steered and maneuvered by the user.
With the addition of lightweight tools and tangle-free hoses and cords all these features combine to simplify the lives of cleaners, improve their morale and increase their productivity.
Managers need to act now if they are to stem the rising tide of on-the-job injuries and personal injury claims. However this will only be possible through the acquisition of ergonomically designed equipment and the adoption of mandatory training to outline the correct methods and techniques for using the equipment. If this is followed not only will injury occurrences decrease, significant savings will also be made with fewer compensation claims from workers and less absenteeism, as the workforce should be healthier and happier. Productivity will increase further, resulting in cleaner, healthier building environments.
* UK Personal Injury Litigation 2003, report published 24th November 2003 More articles from Kaivac UK Ltd: | 
