Health and Safety are a top priority for cleaning companies
The competition for qualified labor will increase in the coming years. If the cleaning industry is to succeed in attracting and retaining employees in the future, we must be able to offer attractive working conditions that can compete with jobs in other sectors. Health and Safety will become a competitive parameter, and companies that invest in Health and Safety will stand stronger in the battle for labor.

Some of the most desired actions to improve Health and Safety performance include establishing a clear policy for Health and Safety. Define the goals and ambitions for your Health and Safety policy and ensure it is implemented throughout the entire company. This involves, among other things, an employee policy, Health and Safety training, and of course the use of cleaning machines with high ergonomic quality that lessen the physical stresses and strains. We must all work to provide employees with a better workday.

Making cleaning ergonomic
Millions of cleaners work day and night to clean for the rest of us. They deserve equipment and machines that are comfortable to use and ensure their physical well-being is protected. For Nilfisk good ergonomics are a key design principle. We are consistently focused on designing machines that meet the highest standards. Not only in cleaning effectiveness but also in user comfortability and safety. During the development process, we involve our customers to understand the needs and challenges they experience in their daily work. Only by involving those who actually use our equipment daily can we design devices and machines that truly make a difference.

 

Good ergonomic means good economic

Good working conditions are not only beneficial for employees; they are also good news for the economy. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), $59 billion is spent on compensation costs, lost productivity, and other expenses resulting from muscle and joint-related injuries among employees in US. Given that 34% of all lost-workday injuries are primarily caused by poor ergonomics, it's easy to see why investing in better ergonomic solutions makes good sense. Good ergonomic means higher productivity, better quality, reduced risk of injuries, a better safety culture, and cost reductions. This benefits the employees, the company, and society at large.

 

Inclusive working environment
As well as having Health and Safety implications, it also fosters the establishment of an inclusive working environment that is important for all businesses. It is more crucial than ever machine design considers the diversity of people in the workplace and allows for optimal adjustability and accommodation to different body sizes and ages in every aspect of user interaction.

 

Lack of knowledge leads to injuries
Knowledge, education, and training are crucial to prevent physical strains and injuries - and in turn prevent staff churn as well as the negative impact on cleaning operations and costs. This encompasses everything from basic knowledge on how to use the body as gently as possible to properly leveraging the technology in new machines. It requires continuous training and education of staff, but the investment quickly pays off. Knowledge is the best weapon against workplace injuries and costly sick leaves.

 

The invisible dangers
They are extremely small and almost invisible. Yet, their impact can be devastating if left undetected. We're talking about dust particles. To protect employees, it is essential to invest in the right dust extraction and filtration systems, especially in an era where respiratory health is increasingly challenged. At Nilfisk, we have developed specialized, innovative filtration and containment solutions that filter out even the smallest dust particles.

 

In certain industries, dust particles are especially hazardous and can lead to critical situations if not removed. This is particularly relevant for sectors such as Food and Beverage, Building and Construction, and various manufacturing industries. Handling hazardous dust is a complex matter that demands innovative product development and competent engineering. As a specialist, Nilfisk offers proven, state-of-the-art solutions in every Hazard Class for the demanding task of capturing health-endangering dust.

Shine a light on daytime cleaning
Traditionally, cleaning staff work while everyone else sleeps — through the night. This practice not only disrupts their circadian rhythms but also makes it challenging to maintain a balanced family life, making it difficult to attract and retain employees. At the same time, companies have recognized the value of making cleaning visible to employees since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

These are some of the reasons why a new trend is emerging – daytime cleaning. Daytime cleaning represents a major step forward in attracting and retaining employees due to more humane working hours. At the same time, it meets companies' needs to make cleaning visible to both employees and guests. A final reason why daytime cleaning is becoming a new trend is economic. Lower daytime wages lead to cost savings with daytime cleaning.