How To Maintain Decorum Of New Office
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<strong>How</strong> <strong>To</strong> <strong>Maintain</strong> <strong>Decorum</strong> <strong>Of</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Of</strong>fice<br />
Liam Wilson<br />
University of Melbourne<br />
13 Aug 2018<br />
Abstract<br />
With so much time spent in cubicles and under the glare of fluorescent lights (and constant<br />
deadlines), maintaining civility and respect is not only important for personal success but also for<br />
the psychological well-being of your entire office.<br />
Whether you are a recent hire or just need a refresher course on interoffice relationships, here are<br />
some practical reminders on maintaining professional decorum and respect in a shared workplace.<br />
1 Introduction<br />
Representing only three per cent of Australia's total land mass and accounting for nearly a<br />
quarter of economic activity (24% of national GDP), Victoria competes with the largest<br />
economies in South East Asia. Our strength is sustained by a diverse economy and a history<br />
of prosperity and growth across many industries. It's one reason why Australia was able to<br />
weather the 2009 global financial crisis and achieve its status as the 13th largest economy<br />
in the world.<br />
2 Setting a professional tone with co-workers, clients and customers<br />
For organizations and employees alike, recognizing the critical link between business<br />
protocol and profit is key to your success. Learn how to confidently interact with colleagues<br />
in ways that make you and your whole organization shine with this special report...
Business Etiquette Tip #1picture of office etiquette policy<br />
Cubicle etiquette: 8 close-quarters rules<br />
Even if there aren’t four walls and a door marking the area, you need to respect everyone<br />
else’s work space. Four etiquette rules:<br />
Don’t “prairie dog.” Walk around the partition to see a neighbor, instead of popping your<br />
head over the top. And as you walk down the passageways, don’t peek into each<br />
workstation.<br />
Grant your neighbors private time. Stagger lunch breaks to provide everyone a few minutes<br />
alone at their desks.<br />
Don’t chime in to conversations you hear over the wall. Whether it’s a work question you can<br />
answer or a private conversation you’d rather not hear, ignore comments that aren’t<br />
directed at you.<br />
Keep lunch in the kitchen. Or, when you absolutely can’t leave your desk for a meal, choose<br />
foods without strong odors, and dispose of your trash in the kitchen, not in your own<br />
wastebasket.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #2<br />
'Casual dress' etiquette: Demystify your event's dress code<br />
Casual. Corporate casual. Business casual. Smart casual. Resort casual. Don’t leave meeting<br />
attendees baffled about your event’s dress code.<br />
Explain what you mean by “business casual” or “corporate casual,” etc. with examples of<br />
appropriate attire for men and women. One event’s “resort casual” encouraged wearing<br />
jeans, while another explained that shorts were acceptable, but not denim or cutoffs.<br />
Tip: Map your course of action when attending a meeting where the dress code is unclear.<br />
Find out how in 14 Tips on Business Etiquette.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #3<br />
<strong>How</strong> to finesse awkward, embarrassing situations<br />
Knowing whether or not to tell your CEO that he has spinach stuck in his teeth is one sure<br />
test of your business etiquette skills.<br />
The situation: You find a personal—and potentially embarrassing—document left behind<br />
on the photocopier.
Solution: Normally, you’d put forgotten pages in a tray beside the copier, for people to claim<br />
later. In this case, though, deliver the document in person, advises Peter Post, author of The<br />
Etiquette Advantage in Business.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #4<br />
Handshake etiquette: Setting the stage for instant rapport<br />
A good, well-timed handshake to pair with your smile is a sure way to stand out, whether<br />
you’re at the company picnic or an industry conference.<br />
Here’s how important it is: A prospective employee with the best handshake is more likely<br />
to get the job, research shows.<br />
Even if you’re not a job-seeker, a good handshake will grant you instant rapport when<br />
meeting someone new. Find a refresher course on the business protocol of the perfect<br />
handshake in 14 Tips on Business Etiquette.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #5<br />
Job etiquette: When a co-worker gets the pink slip<br />
Your friend at work gets handed a pink slip, and now you feel awkward. So awkward, in fact,<br />
that you’re tempted to do nothing. But that’s the last thing you should do.<br />
Here’s how to deal with the situation:
React quickly, or risk appearing insensitive. Even if you can say only, “I’m sorry. And I don’t<br />
know what to say.”<br />
Steer clear of downplaying or saying anything inauthentic. Avoid saying things like, “This place is<br />
going down the tubes” or “I know how you feel.”<br />
Set up a gathering, once the initial shock has faded. Make it just the two of you or invite others,<br />
so you have time to say goodbye outside the office. Keep it focused on the person, and<br />
“understand that some things are out of our control,” advises psychologist Kenneth E.<br />
Reinhard.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #6<br />
Guest etiquette: Roll out the red carpet for visitors<br />
When a VIP comes to your office, how do you dole out extra-special treatment?<br />
Being friendly and responsive is the key to treating VIPs well, says Peter Post.<br />
Find out how to implement Post's advice and more in 14 Tips on Business Etiquette.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #7<br />
Business phone etiquette: Soothe angry callers<br />
Turn a growling caller into a purring, pleased customer with these telephone etiquette<br />
techniques:<br />
Bite your tongue. When someone screams on the phone, your first thought may be,<br />
“What a jerk!” But that attitude will only poison an already-tenuous relationship<br />
with the caller. Instead, stay calm and listen.<br />
Let ’em vent. Like a whistling kettle, angry callers need to vent some steam. Don’t<br />
interrupt—even with a solution—before they tell their story.<br />
Take it down a notch. Instead of raising your voice to match the caller’s volume,<br />
speak softly. That will soothe the speaker and show him or her that you’re<br />
interested in handling the complaint in a calm, rational way.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #8<br />
Kitchen faux pas: Who ate my yogurt?<br />
Some employees can tolerate co-workers’ swearing and rude behavior, but don’t even<br />
dream of touching their yogurt or ham sandwiches. The most offensive thing an office<br />
worker can do is steal colleagues’ food from the office fridge, says a TheLadders.com survey<br />
of 2,500 U.S. employees.<br />
A full 98% agreed that fridge raiding was unacceptable workplace etiquette.
Respondents also cited, in order: bad hygiene, bad habits, drinking on the job, swearing,<br />
wasting paper, cooking smelly food in the microwave and using a BlackBerry in meetings.<br />
Help everyone keep the fridge clean<br />
The greatest mystery in many workplaces is what’s lurking in the office refrigerator. Go<br />
beyond scheduling regular “use it or lose it” deadlines. Follow these tips:<br />
Post a copy of the clean-fridge policy on the refrigerator door, so no one will have any excuses.<br />
Make it easy for people to label containers with their names and expiration dates by keeping a<br />
marking pen and tape in the kitchen.<br />
Promote safe food storage by posting the USDA’s cold storage chart.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #9<br />
<strong>Of</strong>fice donations: Keep it low-key when passing the hat<br />
Not only is there no such thing as a free lunch, but those birthday cakes for co-workers can<br />
cost you, too.<br />
It’s not unusual to be asked to help pay for celebrations at the office, such as birthdays and<br />
baby showers. In a survey by <strong>Of</strong>ficeTeam, more than 75% of respondents said employees<br />
chip in at least once a year; 15% said employees receive donation requests monthly.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #10<br />
Business letter etiquette: The art of the personal note<br />
Angela Ensminger, co-author of On a Personal Note: A Guide to Writing Notes with Style<br />
(Hallmark), told attendees at an International Association of Administrative Professionals<br />
convention that great personal notes come from taking these three steps:<br />
State why you’re writing in a straightforward manner. Example: “Thank you for taking the<br />
time to visit our offices.”<br />
Elaborate on step 1. Example: “It was so valuable for our entire executive team to meet with<br />
you face to face. And your meeting sparked several creative ideas that we’re excited to<br />
pursue.”<br />
Build the relationship. “This is the most important step,” says Ensminger. “What you’re saying<br />
here is: ‘Your relationship matters, and I’m proving it by taking the time to write this note.’<br />
In business relationships, time taken is worth everything. If there’s a bell curve of emotion<br />
to a personal note, this is the top of it.”<br />
Access more of Ensminger's business letter etiquette guidelines in 14 Tips on Business<br />
Etiquette.
Business Etiquette Tip #11<br />
Business dining etiquette: 5 rules<br />
Whether you’re lunching with peers at a convention or meeting with a vendor, business<br />
dining etiquette can keep you from marring your image with a faux pas.<br />
Here are five etiquette rules for business meals, according to Robin Jay, author of The Art of<br />
the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2.<br />
Never, ever talk with your mouth full. Instead, take small bites so you can quickly swallow if<br />
somebody asks you a question, Jay says.<br />
Come prepared with a few casual, non-business topics in mind. It helps you avoid awkward<br />
silences. People enjoy giving their thoughts on subjects like travel, sports and movies.<br />
Always be kind to the wait staff, no matter what happens. Anyone who is nice to you but nasty to<br />
the server is not a nice person.<br />
Know your lunch partner’s business. It’s especially key when your tablemate is someone you’d<br />
like to impress, but the rule holds true regardless. The fewer times you have to say (or<br />
think), “I didn’t know that!” the more impressed the other party will be. <strong>How</strong> to steal this<br />
idea: Take a few minutes to do a Google search before you leave for lunch.<br />
Put some thought into choosing the right restaurant. <strong>To</strong>o casual or inexpensive and the person<br />
may not feel valued. <strong>To</strong>o expensive and they may perceive you as wasteful. When in doubt,<br />
suggest that the other person pick the place.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #12<br />
<strong>Of</strong>fice decorations: Balance personal & professional image<br />
Personalizing our office space is tempting because we spend more awake hours there than<br />
anywhere else. But strike a balance by answering these questions about your cubicle décor:<br />
Who will see it?<br />
What does it say about you?<br />
Is it distracting?<br />
Does it go overboard?<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #13<br />
Party etiquette: Special occasions with co-workers<br />
<strong>Of</strong>fice party etiquette is simple: Don’t do anything that you don’t want the entire company<br />
to be talking about for several years to come. Contrary to popular myth, an office party is<br />
not the place to wear a lampshade on your head. Keep your dignity, and respect the dignity<br />
of others.
For co-worker special occasions, follow these gift-giving tips in 14 Tips on Business<br />
Etiquette.<br />
Business Etiquette Tip #14<br />
Etiquette questions: Expert advice from Letitia Baldrige<br />
In 14 Tips on Business Etiquette, "America's foremost authority on manners," Letitia<br />
Baldrige, answers this sampling of reader questions on business etiquette and protocol.<br />
What’s the proper way to introduce business associates?<br />
Business dining etiquette: Who pays for lunch?<br />
Does it matter who opens a door nowadays?<br />
What’s the protocol on presenting my business card?<br />
Whether you are starting a new job or you've been working at the same job for years, it's<br />
never too late to check yourself for your office etiquette. Having manners around your<br />
coworkers and supervisors can make the difference when it's time for promotions or<br />
special assignments.<br />
Every office has a personality, and it is essential to learn what it is as soon as possible after<br />
you start working there. <strong>How</strong>ever, there are certain rules that apply to almost every<br />
business, so start with those and add to them as you get a better feel for what is expected.<br />
Make a Good First Impression.<br />
You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. The way people<br />
perceive you when they first meet you will last quite a while. Remember that changing a<br />
negative opinion is much more difficult than maintaining a good one.
Don't be Late.<br />
Always show up for work on time. Not<br />
doing so can slow down business and<br />
create animosity because you have held up<br />
a project or appear to be slacking. If you<br />
see a pattern in getting to the office five<br />
minutes late, set your clock for five or ten<br />
minutes earlier.<br />
Be Respectful of Others.<br />
Whether you work in a private office, have a desk in a maze of cubicles, or sit in an open<br />
office with dozens of coworkers, you should respect everyone else. If everyone does this,<br />
you'll find that there is very little drama that adds stress to a busy workday.<br />
Take turns speaking without interrupting. Allow each person to complete a thought and<br />
interject only when you have something constructive to say. Your coworkers and<br />
supervisors will appreciate you more and consider you a team player, making you a more<br />
valuable candidate for future promotions.<br />
Don't get involved in office gossip about other employees or the company. Even when you<br />
hang out with coworkers on personal time, think of something else to discuss. You never<br />
know what will come back to you, and the last thing you need to deal with is someone<br />
thinking of you as the office gossip.<br />
When working in close quarters, remember that not everyone loves the smell of strong<br />
perfume and the sound of your favorite rock band. Other things you need to refrain from<br />
doing include humming, foot tapping, long personal phone conversations, and filing your<br />
fingernails.<br />
Keep your workspace neat and clean. No one likes to work with a slob, especially when it<br />
spills over into community space. Never leave food in the break room overnight.<br />
Be Friendly to <strong>New</strong> Employees.<br />
Remember what it felt like to be the newest person at the office. Smile at the new person,<br />
strike up a very brief conversation, and ask him or her to join your group for lunch. <strong>Of</strong>fer to<br />
answer any questions and comment about how you remember what it's like to be new.
Don't Take Credit for Other People's Accomplishments or Ideas.<br />
One of the things that can ruin your reputation in an office environment is to claim someone<br />
else's ideas as your own. When talking about a project during lunch or after work, make<br />
sure that if it comes up at the meeting, you give credit to the correct person. If a supervisor<br />
mistakenly thinks it is your idea, set the record straight, no matter how tempting it may be<br />
to let her continue thinking you are brilliant.<br />
By the same token, never blame anyone else for your mistakes. This only makes matters<br />
worse and will create animosity. You are better off admitting what happened and find a way<br />
to fix it. Everyone makes mistakes, but try not to make the same one more than once.<br />
Speak the Language but Don't Overdo Corporate Speak.<br />
When communicating with coworkers and supervisors, the key is to get your thoughts<br />
across in a way that can be understood. Using too much corporate talk can be confusing, and<br />
you run the risk of using it incorrectly. If you are ever in doubt about what the other person<br />
is saying, come right out and ask. This goes for voice communication as well as texts and<br />
emails.<br />
Dress Appropriately.<br />
Every office has a dress code. Don't break it. If you do wear inappropriate attire, you may<br />
find yourself in a boss-mandated seminar about how to dress for success. Or worse, you<br />
might get passed over for a promotion or even demoted. If in doubt, err on the conservative<br />
side until you are sure what is considered appropriate.<br />
Think Before You Speak.<br />
People who blurt whatever is on their minds either spend quite a bit of time regretting and<br />
apologizing, or they're perceived as someone who can't be trusted. When you're at the<br />
office, you need to filter your speech. There may be times when you're confronted with<br />
conflict, so be prepared and keep a level head so the issue doesn't escalate.<br />
Be Friendly but Don't Give Away too Much Personal Information.<br />
When you enter the office each morning, it's normal to greet your coworkers and mention<br />
something about what you did over the weekend or the previous evening. <strong>How</strong>ever, this<br />
doesn't mean giving away too many personal details. The people you work with don't need<br />
a blow-by-blow account of the argument you had with your boyfriend. It's none of their<br />
business and leaves you too exposed for a business environment.
If You are Sick, Stay Home.<br />
When you have a virus that is<br />
contagious, it's rude to take it<br />
to the office. Not only will you<br />
get less work done, you are<br />
spreading your germs that can<br />
make other people miserable.<br />
Stay home and take care of<br />
yourself so you can get back to<br />
work and be more productive.<br />
3 Importance of a cleaning in workplace<br />
The workplace environment influences employees’ productivity, performance and wellbeing.<br />
No matter the industry, maintaining a clean workplace may help keep staff members<br />
safe, healthy and efficient. <strong>How</strong>ever, busy production schedules and increasing workloads<br />
may cause standards to dip.<br />
While it may be tempting to put off dusting or other types of cleaning around the office or<br />
worksite, doing so may put employees at risk of suffering an injury or illness and may even<br />
impact performance levels. <strong>Maintain</strong>ing a clean workplace is vital for employers to reduce<br />
their workers compensation claims and keep efficiency high.<br />
Essential to safety<br />
When employees work in a messy environment, they may not notice all hazards, which<br />
increases the risk of an accident. According to the Occupational Safety and Health<br />
Administration (OSHA), an occupational hazard is anything in the workplace that may cause<br />
harm. An occupational hazard is commonly caused by neglect on the part of the employer or<br />
a lack of awareness by workers. When the office or worksite isn’t clean, it may increase the<br />
chance that a hazard will go unnoticed by a supervisor and staff members.<br />
For example, if equipment is placed along an emergency route, workers may become<br />
injured if they trip or fall over it because it is out of place. If boxes aren’t stacked properly,<br />
they may fall on a worker and cause an injury. Employers may want to remember to keep<br />
the workplace free of debris and remind workers to put all equipment, such as personal<br />
protective equipment (PPE), in designated places to prevent an accident.
Crucial to health<br />
Flu season is rapidly approaching and workplaces may see an increase in the number of<br />
employees using sick days if they become ill. According to Kimberly-Clark Professional,<br />
germs can spread quickly through the workplace if supervisors and employees don’t<br />
adequately sanitize their hands and their workspaces. Commonly used spaces, such as<br />
break rooms, can be hot spots for germs to accumulate.<br />
According to Kimberly-Clark, break rooms have been found to have approximately 20,951<br />
germs per square inch. Parts of the break room that tend to be touched the most, such as<br />
doorknobs, microwave oven handles and sinks, can be ripe with germs. Employers may<br />
want to clean these places on a frequent basis, and daily during flu season.<br />
Another common health hazard of unclean workplaces is the germination of mold.<br />
According to OSHA, mold can cause adverse health effects for employees who are exposed<br />
to mold spores. Mold is a fungi that can release millions of spores into the air and can cause<br />
respiratory illnesses. Because of this, OSHA has strict standards employers are asked to<br />
follow to prevent the growth of mold in the workplace. According to OSHA, mold<br />
germination occurs in warm and humid conditions, making it essential that employers<br />
regularly clean worksite facilities, such as bathrooms, to reduce the chance of mold growth.<br />
Employers also may want to replace or clean indoor air filtration systems frequently to<br />
ensure any mold spores that are released into the air don’t reach workers.<br />
As a result, a messy or unhygienic workplace may influence worker productivity. If<br />
employees receive an injury or illness at work, they may not be able to perform their tasks<br />
as well as when they were healthy. This decrease in efficiency may cause deadlines to be<br />
missed and additional errors to occur.<br />
4 Keeping Your Workplace Clean and Tidy: Why does it matter?<br />
Most people spend a significant portion of their lives at work. Whether you love what you<br />
do or you’re less than thrilled with your current occupation, the state of organization in<br />
your workspace can have a lot of impact on you and those around you.<br />
Since so much of your life is spent at work, your workspace should be a place where you can<br />
function to the best of your ability so you can always put your best foot forward. A messy,<br />
disorganized office can hinder your ability to succeed.<br />
Here are some reasons why cleanliness is important in the workplace.<br />
It’s Easy to Lose Things in a Messy <strong>Of</strong>fice<br />
It’s so easy to lose critical documentation when your office is messy. Whether you’re a<br />
lawyer or a construction worker, most jobs nowadays involve some sort of paperwork.<br />
When you need a certain document to finish a task, if you can’t provide the document, it<br />
could cause major problems.
Losing important documents can result in a lot of serious consequences, the worst of which<br />
is getting fired. Organization is vital to keeping everything where it should be so it’s easily<br />
accessible when you need it.<br />
If organization isn’t your strong suit, ask for help on how to tidy your desk or organize your<br />
files. Consider hiring an organization professional, or even talking to the most organized<br />
person in the office. Most organized people are happy to share what they know, and would<br />
be flattered by your admiration of their work habits.<br />
Messy <strong>Of</strong>fices May Bother Others<br />
We all know people who keep their offices extremely messy, but there’s also another side of<br />
the spectrum – people whose offices are organized down to the smallest detail. It can be<br />
difficult for people from these opposite ends of the spectrum to work near each other<br />
without resentment developing.<br />
It can be difficult enough to get along with co-workers, let alone when you add in messy<br />
work habits. Be considerate of your co-workers and keep your office space clean and<br />
organized.<br />
Messy <strong>Of</strong>fices May Deter Promotions<br />
There’s nothing worse than being up to your ears in scattered paperwork and receiving a<br />
pop-in visit from a senior level executive. When it comes to impressing superiors, looking<br />
cluttered and unorganized is not the first impression you want to make.<br />
Having a messy office communicates that you are either unable to stay on top of your<br />
current tasks, or you lack basic organization skills, neither of which looks great on a<br />
promotional application. If upward mobility is something you seek, present your best self at<br />
all times by keeping your office space clean, organized, and high-functioning.
Clean <strong>Of</strong>fices Increase Productivity<br />
It can be difficult to get anything accomplished if you’re frequently losing certain documents<br />
or misplacing important paperwork. Working in an organized environment helps<br />
streamline your processes and make your work more efficient. If everything is in its place,<br />
you find the things you need to accomplish your daily tasks more quickly.<br />
Always try to keep the top work surface of your desk free of paperwork. Place a document<br />
tray or file sorter on your desk for documents you access frequently. Keep a file cabinet<br />
easily accessible, neatly labeled and categorized so you can always find what you need.<br />
Simple organization techniques can make the world of difference when it comes to<br />
workplace productivity.<br />
Messy Workplaces are Stressful<br />
Studies have shown that messy workplaces can have negative effects on the mental and<br />
physical health of employees. A cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind. If you don’t<br />
agree that your messy office is having negative effects on your mood, try cleaning it from<br />
top to bottom and see if you notice a difference in your attitude.<br />
Odds are you will feel a sense of relief and peace when you no longer have to stare at chaos<br />
on a daily basis.<br />
All jobs have complications and problems. Make sure you’re not piling on more problems by<br />
keeping your office space in a state of disrepair. Make an effort to organize your workspace<br />
and keep it organized to ensure your work processes flow as smoothly as possible.<br />
If you’re a supervisor, consider sending out a memo to staff to keep office clean to help<br />
promote office cleanliness.<br />
5 Rules on housekeeping how they help keep your workplace safe<br />
Keeping everything clean and orderly is a project that’s never finished, and some of the<br />
items that most frequently appear on facility inspection reports relate to poor<br />
housekeeping.<br />
Even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t require<br />
training on housekeeping, employees who know why a tidy workplace is important will be<br />
more diligent in their housekeeping efforts.<br />
No one OSHA standard addresses housekeeping, but many rules do include housekeeping<br />
provisions. This article outlines some of those requirements.<br />
Introduce good housekeeping through OSHA’s rules for walking, working surfaces<br />
It’s clear to see that housekeeping practices have an impact meeting OSHA’s general<br />
requirements for walking and working surfaces (1910.22). The rule states:
Housekeeping is to be clean, orderly, and sanitary.<br />
Floors are to be clean and dry.<br />
Aisles and passageways are to have sufficient clearance. They are to be kept clear,<br />
without obstructions that could create a hazard.<br />
Permanent aisles are to be marked.<br />
Some examples of violations of these rules are: blocked aisles, material lying across an aisle<br />
or on the floor, wet or oily floors, or material overhanging high shelves.<br />
Emphasize how good housekeeping can help people evacuate the building in case of an emergency<br />
By meeting OSHA’s rules for exit routes (1910.34, 35, .36, and .37), it’s easier and safer for<br />
everyone to evacuate in an emergency. The “exit route” is a continuous and unobstructed<br />
path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge<br />
areas). An exit route consists of three parts:<br />
The exit access,<br />
The exit, and<br />
The exit discharge.<br />
Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed,<br />
permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. An exit access must be at least 28 inches<br />
wide at all points.<br />
Storing materials where they block an exit route is an obvious housekeeping-related<br />
violation of these requirements.<br />
Discuss how proper chemical storage improves fire safety<br />
The storage of flammable and combustible liquids must meet OSHA’s strict requirements<br />
(1910.106):<br />
Flammable and combustible liquids are to be kept in covered containers,<br />
OSHA sets limits on the quantities of flammable and combustible liquids that may be<br />
kept outside of protected storage,<br />
Inside storage rooms must have approved self-closing fire doors, and<br />
The inside storage room must have one clear aisle at least three feet wide, and<br />
containers over 30 gallons cannot be stacked.<br />
Examples of violations would include open containers of flammable liquids, blocking open a<br />
fire door, stacking drums in a storage room, or leaving materials in the storage room’s aisle.<br />
Describe how poor housekeeping can impact fire protection systems<br />
OSHA’s requirements for portable fire extinguishers and automatic sprinkler systems<br />
(1910.157 and .159) include some housekeeping provisions:
Fire extinguishers must be mounted, located, and identified so that they are readily<br />
accessible;<br />
Fire extinguishers are to be kept in their designated places at all times except during<br />
use; and<br />
There must be at least 18 inches of clearance below sprinklers.<br />
Some examples of violations would be leaving carts, cartons, etc., in front of fire<br />
extinguishers or stacking materials too close to sprinklers.<br />
Highlight how electrical safety depends on good housekeeping<br />
Working space around live parts must generally be at least three feet for voltages of<br />
600 or less,<br />
Workspace in front of electric equipment operating at 600 volts or less must be at<br />
least 30 inches wide, and<br />
Working space may not be used for storage.<br />
An example of a housekeeping-related violation would be storing items where they block<br />
access to an electrical panel.<br />
Explain how meeting OSHA’s sanitation requirements depends on good housekeeping<br />
Requirements for sanitation (1910.141) include some housekeeping provisions:<br />
Floors are to be kept dry;<br />
Disposal containers used for liquids or solids that may turn putrid must not leak,<br />
and they must have tight fitting covers;<br />
Sweepings, wastes, and refuse must be removed; and<br />
No food or beverages can be stored in toilet rooms or in an area that is exposed to a<br />
toxic material.<br />
Violations could include wet or oily floors, open waste containers for discarded food, or<br />
trash build-up.<br />
Outline the housekeeping policies at your facility<br />
You may be surprised that so many OSHA regulations are related to housekeeping. But,<br />
company-specific housekeeping rules are just as important.<br />
Provide trainees with a list of your housekeeping rules, and clarify who has housekeeping<br />
responsibilities.<br />
Discuss some housekeeping solutions<br />
We’ve discussed some housekeeping problems that are OSHA violations. Can you think of<br />
some ways to eliminate these hazards? Here are some ideas:<br />
Are there enough waste bins for each area?
Do workers need more brooms, dustpans, mops, etc., so it would be easier for them<br />
to clean up after themselves?<br />
<strong>How</strong> much time is everyone spending on clean-up?<br />
Could this time be better organized by using checklists or schedules?<br />
Do you need to install more storage shelves, racks, or cabinets?<br />
Where could you put them?<br />
Would more tool boxes or chests help to keep tools where they belong?<br />
Are there any areas where food and beverages should be prohibited?<br />
Is there a better way to mark “no storage” areas?<br />
Should you set up a housekeeping inspection team?<br />
Brainstorm with your employees to come up with solutions to some of the poor<br />
housekeeping examples that are brought up.<br />
Summarize the benefits of good housekeeping<br />
Meeting OSHA requirements is only one reason to have a clean and orderly workplace.<br />
There are many benefits to a good housekeeping program:<br />
Better organization makes things easier to find, and harder to lose;<br />
It’s easier to notice items that are no longer useful when the workplace is organized<br />
— and they get disposed of more easily;<br />
You have a lower risk for fire when you have less clutter;<br />
You have a lower risk of injuries from slips, trips, or falls when the workplace is<br />
orderly; and<br />
A clean atmosphere improves morale and lets you feel proud of your workplace.<br />
Reference<br />
Reuters, 2015 | 10 tips: <strong>How</strong> to respect co-workers and maintain professional decorum |<br />
indianexpress.com | Retrieved 05 Aug 2018<br />
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/10-tips-how-to-respect-co-workers-andmaintain-professional-decorum/<br />
Why Melbourne, 2018 | Strong Economy | invest.vic.gov.au | Retrieved 05 Aug 2018<br />
http://www.invest.vic.gov.au/why-melbourne/strong-economy<br />
14 Tips on Business Etiquette: Setting a professional tone with co-workers, clients and customers, |<br />
2018 | businessmanagementdaily.com | Retrieved 08 Aug 2018<br />
https://training.businessmanagementdaily.com/3013/14-tips-on-business-etiquette/
Bond Cleaning in Melbourne, 2018 | looking for a professional end of lease cleaning in Melbourne? |<br />
bondcleaninginmelbourne.com.au | Retrieved 08 Aug 2018<br />
https://www.bondcleaninginmelbourne.com.au/end-of-lease-cleaning/<br />
Debby Mayne , 2018 | Basic <strong>Of</strong>fice Etiquette Tips | thespruce.com | Retrieved 10 Aug 2018<br />
https://www.thespruce.com/basic-office-etiquette-tips-1216791<br />
The importance of a clean workplace, 2013 | pinpointnews.net | Retrieved 13 Aug 2018<br />
http://www.pinpointnews.net/wordpress/the-importance-of-a-clean-workplace/<br />
Judie Smithers , 2016 | OSHA's rules on housekeeping (and how they help keep your workplace<br />
safe) | bizjournals.com | Retrieved 13 Aug 2018<br />
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2016/03/osha-rules-onhousekeeping.html<br />
Riya Sander, 2016 | Keeping Your Workplace Clean and Tidy: Why does it matter? |<br />
careermetis.com | | Retrieved 13 Aug 2018<br />
https://www.careermetis.com/keeping-workplace-clean-tidy/