Industrial cleaning contractors: creating a safe workplace

Factories and manufacturing businesses can be dangerous places. From the delivery of hazardous chemicals to the disposal of waste materials, every task on an industrial site must be carefully planned and executed, with safety and cleanliness in mind, so hiring the right industrial cleaning contractors is essential.

No two businesses are the same, choose industrial cleaning contractors to suit your needs

A cleaning and safety plan for your factory or manufacturing premises provided by industrial cleaning contractors must comply with the relevant workplace safety laws. But, "There is no one national law governing workplace safety and waste management," says John Laws, Executive Director of the Australian Cleaning Contractors' Association.

"Some businesses use toxic chemicals. Others use metals, which can cause injuries; and oil spillages can be a risk," John says. "Every industrial situation will have its own cleaning and waste management requirements."

Where can I find information about my situation?

Each state and territory has a workplace authority, which will advise you on the laws relevant to your business.

• ACT WorkCover – http://www.ors.act.gov.au/workcover/index.html
• NSW WorkCover – http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
• NT WorkSafe – http://www.worksafe.nt.gov.au/index.shtml
• Queensland Workplace Health and Safety – http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/index.htm
• SA SafeWork – http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/
• Tasmania Workplace Standards – http://www.wst.tas.gov.au/
• Victoria WorkSafe – http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/WorkSafe
• Western Australia WorkSafe – http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/WorkSafe/

Industry-specific codes and regulations are also excellent resources. They may relate to operating heavy machinery or providing adequate ventilation where solvents are being used. Your industry's peak body will help you identify the regulations applicable to your business.

Common dangers

While the risks and dangers faced by staff and industrial cleaning contractors are many, there are some common threats to look out for in industrial premises:

• Cutting and welding metal: a danger not only to those performing the task
• Falling objects: a danger in warehouses and building sites
• Moving machinery: a danger to operators and others working around them
• Heavy lifting: poorly trained staff can sustain serious back injury
• Hazardous materials: inexpert handling of chemicals can lead to injury and compensation claims
• Waste materials: poorly managed waste can interrupt workflow or become a fire hazard
• Equipment: steel-capped boots and high-visibility workwear are inexpensive and effective
• Fatigue: tired staff endanger themselves and others

Finding safe industrial cleaning contractors

"Look for OH&S policies and procedures," says John. "Ask potential industrial cleaning contractors for evidence of risk-management reports and other hazard reporting. Ask for proof they have an understanding of the chemicals and operational processes in your factory. They can display this by submitting references of work they have done on a similar basis."

John adds that there are specific kinds of hazardous waste that require a licence to be disposed of. Ask for proof that potential industrial cleaning contractors have the appropriate licences.

Benefits of hiring industrial cleaning contractors

Outsourcing often delivers a cost benefit. You don't have to worry about a service that isn't your core business. You get a professional service and the industrial cleaning contractors should provide a guarantee that they will adhere to safety standards – both the legal requirements and their own.

Ensuring that your industrial premises are clean and safe also reduces the risk to your staff, as they may not be trained to handle particular materials or heavy objects.

Safety is number one

A safe and clean workplace is a productive workplace.

Ask professional industrial cleaning contactors how they can help you meet your safety obligations, boost efficiency and protect and retain your valued staff.