Housekeeping Risk Assessment
Housekeeping in safety isn’t just about keeping things tidy — it’s about eliminating hazards before they turn into accidents. Whether it’s a wet floor, cluttered aisle, or unlabelled chemical waste, poor housekeeping is a silent danger.
A housekeeping risk assessment is the process of identifying these threats, analyzing how they can cause harm, and putting controls in place to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. Clean sites aren’t just pretty — they’re powerful in preventing injury and chaos.
Legal Requirements and Guidelines
OSHA Housekeeping Standards (29 CFR 1910.22)
Employers must ensure workplaces are kept clean, orderly, and sanitary. OSHA requires floors to be maintained in a clean, dry condition.
UK Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
These require all workplaces to be kept clean and safe. It includes adequate drainage, waste disposal, and cleanliness standards.
Indian Factory Rules on Workplace Cleanliness
Under Factories Act, 1948, Indian laws enforce regular cleaning of floors, walls, and equipment — especially in dusty or oily environments.
Types of Housekeeping Activities
Cleaning and Mopping Floors
Wet or dirty floors can lead to slips and falls. Regular mopping with appropriate signage is crucial.
Waste Collection and Disposal
Unattended waste can be a fire hazard or harbor harmful bacteria.
Storing Materials and Tools
Improper storage leads to tripping hazards and falling object injuries.
Spillage and Leak Control
Quick response to spills prevents accidents and contamination.
Common Hazards Associated with Poor Housekeeping
Slips, Trips, and Falls
The most frequent workplace injury. Often caused by wet floors, obstacles, or poor lighting.
Fire and Explosion Risks
Dust, paper, and chemical waste can ignite easily if not disposed of correctly.
Obstructed Emergency Exits
Blocked escape routes delay evacuation during emergencies.
Falling Objects from Improper Storage
Unsecured shelves or over-stacked items can fall and injure people below.
Biological and Chemical Exposure
Improper disposal of food waste or chemicals can cause infections or toxic reactions.
When is a Housekeeping Risk Assessment Required?
Regular Scheduled Cleaning
Daily or weekly cleaning routines should be based on risk assessments.
Post-Maintenance or Construction Work
Dust, debris, or waste must be assessed and removed safely.
After Spills or Waste Build-up
Unexpected events or messes demand a quick reassessment of the area for safety.
Components of a Housekeeping Risk Assessment
Step 1 – Identify Hazards in the Area
Walk through work zones — check for spills, clutter, loose cords, and improper storage.
Step 2 – Identify Who May Be Affected
Think of cleaners, workers, visitors, and even emergency personnel.
Step 3 – Evaluate Risks and Determine Controls
What’s the chance of harm? Can you clean, cover, isolate, or train?
Step 4 – Document and Communicate the Assessment
Use checklists and assign responsibilities. Share findings during toolbox talks or shift handovers.
Step 5 – Monitor and Review
Don’t let the site fall back into disorder. Regular reviews ensure standards are maintained.
Housekeeping Risk Control Measures
Use of Cleaning Schedules
Assign time slots and personnel to specific cleaning tasks for consistency.
Designated Waste Bins and Storage
Use labeled bins for chemical, general, and recyclable waste. Don’t mix materials.
Proper Use of Warning Signage
Wet floor signs, hazard tapes, and barrier cones should be used visibly during cleaning.
Safe Material Stacking and Storage Practices
Keep heavy items low, use shelving with barriers, and don’t exceed weight limits.
Immediate Spill Response Protocols
Train staff to use spill kits, absorbents, and disposal bags properly and promptly.
Hierarchy of Controls in Housekeeping
Elimination – Avoid Clutter and Waste Buildup
Remove unnecessary items and materials.
Substitution – Use Safer Cleaning Chemicals
Replace harsh or reactive chemicals with safer alternatives.
Engineering Controls – Floor Grading, Non-slip Surfaces
Design workplace layout to reduce accumulation and improve drainage.
Administrative Controls – Training, Inspections, SOPs
Establish standard procedures and train everyone to follow them.
PPE – Gloves, Safety Shoes, Eye Protection
Especially needed during chemical cleaning or waste handling.
Housekeeping Safety Tips
Clean as You Go
Don’t wait until the end of the shift — tackle hazards immediately.
Label and Store Properly
Every item should have a place. Use labels and clear containers for transparency.
Conduct Regular Audits
Weekly walk-arounds or audits help maintain high housekeeping standards.
Housekeeping Risk Assessment Template
Fields to Include
- Work area
- Tasks being performed
- Identified hazards
- Persons at risk
- Risk rating (before control)
- Control measures
- Responsible persons
- Date of review
Practical Use at the Workplace
Display near cleaning stations. Use it during safety inspections. Make it part of your daily checklist and shift handovers.
Housekeeping Risk Assessment
General Information
- Project/Site Name: ABC Construction Site – Block C
- Assessment Title: Housekeeping Risk Assessment
- Location: Ground Floor & Stairwell Areas
- Assessed By: Mahendra Lanjewar (Safety Officer)
- Assessment Date: 01 July 2025
- Review Date: 01 October 2025
- Activity Description: Daily site housekeeping activities including clearing debris, organizing materials, and maintaining clear access routes.
Housekeeping Risk Assessment Table
| Task | Hazards Identified | Persons at Risk | Risk Rating (Before Control) | Control Measures | Risk Rating (After Control) | Responsible Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Clearing construction debris from walkways | Trips, slips, or falls due to scattered materials | All site workers, visitors | High | – Maintain clear walkways at all times – Assign dedicated cleanup crew – Provide bins/skips for debris – Remove waste regularly | Low | Housekeeping Supervisor |
| 2. Stacking materials and equipment | Collapse or falling materials causing injury | Laborers, site workers | Medium | – Stack materials properly and label loads – Store heavier items at bottom – Avoid overstacking near access areas | Low | Storekeeper / Supervisor |
| 3. Wet floors after mopping or spills | Slips and falls | Cleaners, workers, visitors | High | – Use “Wet Floor” signage – Mop during off-peak times – Use slip-resistant mats – Provide training to cleaners | Low | Cleaning Staff / Safety Officer |
| 4. Use of chemical cleaning agents | Skin/eye irritation, inhalation of fumes | Cleaners, maintenance staff | Medium | – Use PPE (gloves, masks, goggles) – Store chemicals in labeled containers – Provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – Ensure good ventilation during use | Low | Cleaning Supervisor |
| 5. Waste handling and disposal | Injury from sharp objects or hazardous waste | Housekeeping staff | Medium | – Use puncture-proof gloves – Provide proper waste bins and segregation – Train workers on safe waste handling | Low | Housekeeping Lead |
Risk Rating Matrix
| Severity | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Minor injury | 1 – Unlikely | Low |
| 2 – Lost time injury | 2 – Possible | Medium |
| 3 – Major/fatal injury | 3 – Likely | High |
Note: Risk rating = Severity × Likelihood
Additional Notes
- Training Provided: All housekeeping and cleaning staff trained on safe waste disposal, chemical handling, and basic manual handling.
- PPE Required: Safety shoes, gloves, dust mask, eye protection (for chemical use).
- Inspection Frequency: Daily inspection checklist maintained by safety team.
- Emergency Procedures: First aid kit and eyewash station available nearby. Report all incidents to Safety Officer.
Review and Sign-Off
| Name | Designation | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rupesh Wasnik | Safety Officer | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
| Anjali Mehta | Housekeeping Supervisor | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
| Ravi Sharma | Project Engineer | [Signature] | 01-07-2025 |
Conclusion
Housekeeping isn’t just about looking good — it’s about working safe. Clutter, spills, and carelessness can quickly spiral into serious incidents. A solid housekeeping risk assessment keeps your site efficient, hazard-free, and inspection-ready. Make it part of your daily routine. Remember — a clean site is a safe site.
Confined Space Risk Assessment
Scaffolding Work Risk Assessment
FAQs
1. Is housekeeping part of health and safety?
Yes! Good housekeeping directly prevents injuries and supports overall workplace safety.
2. How often should a housekeeping risk assessment be done?
At least monthly — but also after major changes, incidents, or complaints.
3. Who is responsible for housekeeping safety?
Everyone. Supervisors oversee, but every employee must maintain their area.
4. What tools are used in a housekeeping risk assessment?
Checklists, inspection forms, hazard logs, and digital audit tools.
5. Can poor housekeeping lead to legal action?
Yes. Neglecting basic housekeeping can result in fines, penalties, and shutdowns during inspections.
