Recommendations for Reducing Musculoskeletal Health Problems among Cleaners

Abstract

A two year research study was undertaken to identify the extent and causes of musculoskeletal work related problems and discomfort among cleaners, to develop guidelines for machine design and to provide advice for supervisors and managers in the cleaning industry. The study highlighted that health problems amongst the UK cleaning population were significantly higher than for comparable working populations. This paper presents the recommendations put forward to try and reduce these health problems which are targeted at all interested parties in the cleaning industry i.e. employers, managers, supervisors, trainers, equipment suppliers and manufacturers. The recommendations focus on machine and equipment design, changes to work organisation and work schedules, formulation of training policies and programmes, development of local health policies and equipment maintenance programmes.