Task: Dusting and Scrubbing
Risk Factors
- Reaching
- Bent back
- Squatting
- Kneeling
- Bent wrists
- Hand force
- Repetitive motions
- Loose-fitting gloves
Potential Solutions
- Long-handled tools
- Angled tools
- Lightweight cleaning heads (e.g., microfiber)
- Squeegees for cleaning glass
- Battery-powered scrubbers
- Appropriately sized gloves
Task: Vacuuming
Risk Factors
- Pushing and pulling forces
- Lifting
- Repetitive motions
- Grip force
- Bent wrists
- Bent back
Potential Solutions
- Lightweight canister, backpack or self-propelled upright vacuums
- Height-adjustable loop handles
- Wide area vacuums for hallways and large rooms
Task: Mopping
Risk Factors
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Hand force
- Repetitive motions
- Bent back
- Elevated shoulders
Potential Solutions
- Hose to fill bucket at ground level
- Bottom-draining buckets
- Lightweight mop heads
- Adjustable length handles
- Microfiber mops, vapor steam cleaners or no-touch cleaning systems
Task: Stripping and buffing
Risk Factors
- Hand force
- Bent wrists
- Repetitive motions
- Pushing and pulling
- Vibration
Potential Solutions
- Ride-on or walk-behind floor machines
- Equipment maintenance programs
Task: Handling trash
Risk Factors
- Lifting
- Added force to overcome trash can suction
- Carrying
- Pushing and pulling
Potential Solutions
- Smaller trash bags
- Vent holes or channels in trash cans
- Side-opening trash containers
- Locating dumpsters underneath loading docks
- Mechanical trash dumpers
Task: Moving furniture
Risk Factors
- Lifting
- Carrying
- Push and pull forces to fold cafeteria tables
Potential Solutions
- Lightweight and/or wheeled furniture
- Wheeled lifting devices such as desk lifts, table dollies
- Friction-reducing aids such as air skids or furniture glides
- Spring-assisted folding cafeteria tables