Cleaning ergonomics - to prevent occupational diseases and accidents

Cleaning ergonomics is an important area that directly affects human health. In the case of occupational diseases, the effects are usually noticeable years later, and it may be difficult to establ...

We wanted to draw attention to the fact that cleaning does not have to be a physically exhausting activity. We wanted to draw attention to the fact that cleaning ergonomics does not only mean how cleaning is done physically, but also includes mental strain. As most of the people working in the field of cleaning do not have professional training, training is on-site and the trainers are mainly supervisors who do not have the competencies of a trainer. We wanted to create easy-to-use, visual and simple learning materials that could be used by as many people as possible, regardless of their native language or culture. As an added value, in addition to cleaning ergonomics, we also teach the principles of modern cleaning - this way, the cleaner can remove dirt more efficiently with less strain. This was a very useful added value that we could not foresee when starting the project. The materials created during the project have been very well received and we have received a lot of praise for, firstly, that they are very visual (picture guides and educational videos) and, secondly, that they have been translated into different languages ​​(training materials).

We mapped the current situation of cleaning ergonomics. To do this, we conducted a survey among both cleaners and supervisors in Hungary, Estonia, Finland and the Netherlands. 267 cleaners and 147 cleaning managers responded. The results were surprising, and the supervisors and cleaners' answers differed on many questions. In addition, we conducted a desk research of existing ergonomics training materials and statistics - the results were very incomplete. As a result, we decided to conduct Smart-wear cleaning experiments. Namely, we conducted cleaning experiments with two cleaners in Finland, where the cleaners wore underwear with sensors while they performed cleaning activities. This way, we received very specific information about which cleaning activities are the most straining for the cleaner's body and which activities should be done differently. Based on the survey, we learned about the mental aspects of cleaning ergonomics, and based on smart-wear tests, we learned about the physical aspects of ergonomics. Based on this data and the expert knowledge of our partners, we created training materials. We conducted trials in Hungary to measure the effectiveness of the training materials. Based on the feedback from the trials, we introduced changes to the training materials.

During the project, we gained unique insights into the mental strain of providing cleaning services (survey) and gathered specific numerical knowledge about the muscle strain of cleaning activities (smart-wear tests). Based on this knowledge and the expert experience of our partners, we created unique short videos on the 20 most common aspects of cleaning ergonomics. The videos are free for everyone to use, and since they are silent films, they can be used anywhere in the world. In addition to the videos, we created a picture guide that describes the same 20 cleaning ergonomics topics, but is physically in the form of a file or book. This is a necessary addition to every cleaning room and cleaning trolley, and the picture guide can be used if watching a video is not possible or convenient. In addition, we created training material for cleaning managers who need to teach cleaning ergonomics. The training material contains the same 20 cleaning ergonomics aspects as the picture guide and videos, but the training material explains the teaching methodology, answers all the questions why?, and provides more information about ergonomics, smart-wear tests, and research. With such educational materials, we make cleaning easier for both cleaners and supervisors.