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The cleaning industry is known for uncovering some of the dark secrets of some of the world’s most powerful and influential companies. Property maintenance is a task that can easily fall to the wayside when it should instead be placed at the forefront. Many business owners and managers look at cutting costs and fail to realise the visual and health benefits that a consistent cleaning program can have. Failure to implement one can leave businesses exposed. Commercial cleaning business Consolidated Property Services has seen the impact across businesses since they started operating in 1977. Below are a few reasons why businesses should prioritise their cleaning and maintenance programs.
Improving the environment for workplace health and safety
One of the primary concerns when it comes to cleaning is the operational health and safety for employees within that working environment. Safework Australia monitors the statistics of health related incidents caused from working environments. Many of the injuries could be easily prevented as they tend to be caused from slips from spills and clutter. Injuries caused as a result of unclean environments could cost your business thousands of dollars in workers compensation payments. To best avoid this, it is important that the business commits to clean workplace environments and initiatives that will reduce the threat of accidents in the workplace.
Complying with new programs
One of the common issues that businesses face is keeping up to date with new regulations and compliances. In the last month, Worksafe Director Joe Attard prompted businesses to take more action by introducing an inspection plan to combat the rising number of workplace related injuries. Mr Attard stated that the industry averaged just under 140 lost-time injuries per year over the past five years, in which 40 were classed as severe and led to more than 60 days of lost work. These alarming statistics has spurred the Worksafe director to take immediate action. For businesses, they need to be prepared when new programs are rolled out, it is important that businesses are aware of the changes that are required in order for the business to be completely compliant.
Improving businesses processes to implement green initiatives
Many businesses want to do their part to help the environment, but have no idea where to start. For example, recycling initiatives will be put in place in the business’s premises, however the initiative may fail as the recycling space turns to litter and clutter. To avoid this from happening, businesses can work with commercial cleaning companies that will help to phase in green programs and processes that will ensure that the premises is environmentally friendly and that any green initiatives implemented successfully.
A clean environment will improve the operational efficiency of the workforce
One of the factors that contributes to a poorer performance in business output and profits is the cleanliness of the environment. An untidy environment lowers the operational efficiency of a workplace by decreasing employee morale, creating distractions and increasing the threat of injury. Businesses should strive to ensure that the business’s premises maintains a high standard of cleanliness.
Businesses must empower themselves with the right tools
Businesses must invest in tools and systems that will empower them to manage and monitor the cleanliness and safety of their premises. Without knowing the data or benchmarks, it will be difficult for the business to become compliant. Consolidated Property Services are developing a CPS Hub, which they hope will empower their clients to manage incident records and to reduce the amount of incidences that occur over the long term.
Many Australian businesses need to change their approach to developing a clutter free environment. For a long time, these have been the skeletons lurking in the closet. It is time for these businesses to make a change and reap the rewards of better employee health, wealth and prosperity.