WSH For Cleaners

WSQ Comply with Workplace Safety and Health Policies and Procedures

Understanding workplace safety statistics:

Singapore’s workplace fatal injury rates have fallen from 4.9 per 100,000 in 2004 to 1.2 in 2017 and 2018, the lowest ever recorded.  The Government’s target is to reduce this further to below 1.0 per 100,000 workers by 2028, a safety level that has been achieved by only four OECD countries on a sustained basis.  

WSH 2028 seeks to change the notion that workforce health is secondary and firmly entrenches the health of employees as a workplace safety imperative.  This training is essential for all employees to attend and obtain basic workplace safety knowledge.  It is not restricted to any specific industry as at any workplace has risks and hazards and employees must be aware, educated and able to manage it.

Following research into our government agencies data, it has been found that more than 81,000 professionals and 2,400 companies in the cleaning waste management, and pest management sectors keep Singapore clean and liveable every day. 

As demand for environmental services continues to rise, increasing manpower to meet the service demand is not sustainable given our manpower constraints. Transforming the industry is thus necessary to improve productivity, promote growth and create better jobs for these sectors.

This cleaning safety course will cover the following topics in detail:

1. Identifying Workplace Hazards:

   • In this module, participants will delve into the intricacies of hazard identification. They will learn to discern between physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards commonly encountered in cleaning environments. Understanding the principles of risk assessment will be central to this topic.

2. Hazard Identification and Risk Control:

   • This section will provide in-depth knowledge about various risk assessment methodologies. Participants will be equipped with tools and techniques to assess the severity and likelihood of hazards and implement control measures effectively. Topics like Hierarchy of Controls and ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) will be covered.

3. Participation and Consultation in Safety Management:

   • Workplaces thrive when employees actively participate in safety management. This module will emphasize the importance of worker involvement, safety committees, and the role of workers in decision-making processes for occupational health and safety.

4. Fire and Explosions Handling:

   • Cleaning environments often involve the use of chemicals and flammable materials. This section will delve into fire prevention, fire extinguishing methods, and the safe handling of potentially explosive materials. Topics like fire triangle, fire classes, and fire evacuation plans will be explored.

5. Safety Signs and Symbols:

   • Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of safety signage and symbols used in cleaning workplaces. This includes hazard communication labels, safety colors, and international safety symbols standardized by organizations such as ISO and ANSI.

6. Safe Work Procedures and Codes of Practice:

   • Cleaning tasks often require adherence to specific procedures and codes of practice. This module will teach participants to interpret and follow industry-specific guidelines, ensuring safe and efficient work practices. Topics may include cleaning protocols for different surfaces and materials.

7. Emergency Procedures:

   • Preparation for emergencies is vital. This section will cover the creation and implementation of emergency response plans, including first aid, evacuation procedures, and the use of emergency equipment like eyewash stations and safety showers.

8. Reporting Unsafe Conditions:

   • Effective hazard reporting systems are essential. Participants will learn the importance of reporting unsafe conditions promptly and accurately, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in workplace safety.

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

   • Cleaning tasks often require the use of PPE. This module will delve into the selection, proper use, maintenance, and limitations of various types of PPE, such as gloves, goggles, masks, and protective clothing.