“Prevention is better than cure”.

It is easy for accidents to happen in a workplace. Especially when dealing with tools, equipment, chemicals, and so on. We cannot avoid all accidents but with adequate knowledge, we can prevent many from happening.

Safety precautions do not just mean your safety but this also includes the environment or workplace and the people working in there.

Working as a cleaner, you expose yourself to harmful and toxic chemicals. Harmful chemicals can cause hazards if not handled with care. It could cause burns, allergies, poisoning due to its toxic effect, and a lot more. Equipment when mishandled can cause bruises, cuts, damage, or even fire.

Exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals found and used in the laundry or housekeeping process can cause serious injuries and illness.

• Soaps and detergents may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis.
• Broken skin from soap or detergent irritation may provide an avenue for infection or injury if exposed to chemical or biological hazards.
• Mixing cleaning solutions that contain ammonia and chlorine will form a deadly gas.
• Chemical-related problems can occur when chemicals aren't stored properly or are mixed with chemicals that can produce very unhealthy, if not deadly, fumes.

Many factors influence whether a cleaning chemical will cause health problems. Some important factors to consider include the following:

• Chemical ingredients of the cleaning product
• How the cleaning product is being used or stored
• Ventilation in the area where the cleaning product is used
• Whether there are splashes and spills
• Whether the cleaning product comes in contact with the skin
• Whether mists, vapors, and/or gases are released

Report to Work Rested The first step to safety is to report to work rested, alert, and ready to perform your job. Fatigue may affect your ability to work safely. It may also impair your ability to treat your colleagues with hospitality consistent with your training.

Wear Appropriate Clothing Next, you should always wear appropriate clothing for your job. Follow your company's dress code. This includes wearing proper footwear for the job. If you will be working equipment and machinery, don't wear rings and jewelry that can get caught in the moving parts. Keep long hair tied back or under a hat. This will avoid having your hair getting caught in machines. Clothing should fit properly allowing room for movement without being so lose it could get caught in machinery moving parts.

Report Accidents Most companies provide necessary first aid and medical treatment for injuries. If you are injured on the job, report the accident to your supervisor immediately, so that proper medical treatment can be provided. First aid or professional medical treatment will be given as necessary; however, you must report all accidents and injuries when they occur, even if your injury does not require medical treatment.