Throughout 2024, a new EMEA Health & Safety campaign will regularly revisit one of our 12 Safety Essentials to remind us all of these important ways of looking after ourselves and each other.

Our second Safety Essential is housekeeping. Maintaining order and cleanliness in the workplace is crucial for occupational safety and health.

The fundamental principle is to keep work areas, pathways, storage spaces, and facilities organised, clean, and free from injury risks. The goal is to prevent the number one cause of injuries: slips, trips, and falls.

Supervisors at each site are vital in establishing and enforcing the required housekeeping standards. They must also ensure that these standards are consistently maintained.

Equally important is fostering a sense of pride among all workers regarding their workplace. When employees take ownership of keeping their environment clean and tidy, it creates a positive atmosphere and encourages others to do the same.

Implementing the 5S method in our workplace improves conditions related to H&S. The 5S methodology, is a Japanese approach that emphasises workplace organisation through Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain principles. It ensures efficiency by separating necessary items, organising them logically, and maintaining cleanliness, leading to a safer and more productive work environment.

Remember: a tidy workplace is not just about aesthetics; it directly impacts safety and well-being.