Commercial cleaning is essential to maintaining hygiene and safety in workplaces, public spaces and healthcare settings. However, often the people responsible for keeping these environments up to spec face significant health and safety risks while undertaking the laborious duties required to meet stringent standards. Their diligence, coupled with the risk they put themselves at, goes largely unnoticed. In Australia, where the cleaning industry employs thousands of workers across diverse sectors, addressing these hazards is critical to ensuring worker well-being and compliance with workplace safety regulations.

Daily exposure to cleaning chemicals

One of the most overlooked risks in commercial cleaning is chemical exposure. Many cleaning agents contain harsh substances that can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues and long-term health problems. Ammonia and chlorine, among other cleaning ingredients, can lead to chronic conditions like asthma if workers are not adequately protected. 

While Australian regulations, such as those outlined by Safe Work Australia, require proper labelling and handling of hazardous chemicals, adherence varies across businesses. Employers must ensure workers have access to safety data sheets, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and receive adequate training on the safe use of chemicals.

Musculoskeletal strain is another major risk resulting from repetitive tasks and improper lifting techniques. People in the commercial cleaning industry generally perform physically demanding work, including mopping large areas for extended periods of time, vacuuming that requires repetitive pushing and pulling and lifting heavy equipment. Without proper ergonomics, these activities can lead to long-term injuries including back strain, joint pain and repetitive strain injuries. To combat these potentially chronic injuries, businesses should invest in ergonomic equipment and provide training on correct lifting techniques. Encouraging regular breaks, even short ones, can reduce fatigue and save employers time and money through the preservation of their workforce.

Preventing injuries through training and equipment

Slip, trip and fall hazards are also common in the industry. Wet floors, cluttered workspaces and insufficient lighting can lead to serious injuries. In Australia, workplace health and safety laws mandate clear hazard identification and risk management strategies, yet many incidents still occur due to inadequate signage or rushed cleaning schedules. To thwart potential injuries, employers need to implement strict protocols for spill management, ensure staff wear slip-resistant footwear and conduct regular safety audits to prevent accidents.

The rise of green cleaning products has introduced another potential risk. While marketed as safer alternatives, some eco-friendly products can still cause allergic reactions or be less effective at breaking down harmful bacteria, leading to hygiene concerns. Businesses must balance sustainability goals with worker safety by thoroughly vetting products before use.

Ultimately, protecting workers in the cleaning industry requires a proactive approach from employers, regulators and workers themselves. By addressing these hidden hazards through proper training, equipment investment and adherence to safety standards, businesses can create safer working conditions and improve overall industry standards in Australia.