Employee Safety Manual

INVOERING

This safety manual has been created to ensure the safety of everyone, both Clean It Now employees and customers. While the cleaning industry is not as dangerous as most others, there are important steps that must be taken to prevent injuries, near misses, and illnesses.

Clean It Now strives to create the safest possible environment for all employees and customers by following the guidelines in this safety manual and NLA, in order to achieve our goal of zero accidents and injuries.

Clean It Now is always open to suggestions. If you see something that needs to be addressed or improved, please submit a suggestion. Fill out the comments and suggestions form at the end of this Safety Manual and submit it to management for review.

Changes and additions to this Safety Manual may be made in the future, depending on the need to adapt the policy based on workplace experiences and changes or additions required by NLA regulations.

If at any time you feel that you do not fully understand the safety instructions or safety training, please inform your direct supervisor. He or she will provide you with individual training until you fully understand ALL guidelines and safety rules.

SAFETY TRAINING

Clean It Now is responsible for overseeing the safety training provided to all cleaning technicians, also referred to as “employees.” As a policy, Clean It Now plans to provide safety training on at least one topic approximately every 30 days.

Clean It Now will also provide safety training when a safety violation has occurred. This training may include lectures, demonstrations, videos, handouts and occasional guest speakers.

The training is documented by cleaning technicians, and all Clean It Now employees sign up on the “Safety Meeting Attendance Roster”. Attendance at these Safety Training Meetings is mandatory for all Clean It Now employees.

If an employee is not scheduled to work on the date of the scheduled Safety Training Meeting, the employee will be given a copy of the Safety Training Meeting minutes and a form for receipt of minutes. This form must be completed and signed by the employee.

The employee's signature is used as confirmation of the topic and material of the safety training meeting.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clean It Now 

• Establishes a safety program.
• Ensures that the rules laid down in the program are followed.
• Encourages team members to provide input regarding hazardous conditions and implements corrective action as necessary.
• Conducts periodic inspections of the workplace and assesses potentially hazardous conditions or safety violations.
• Provides training sessions on safety issues as experience requires.
• Investigates all injuries and near misses.

Cleaning technicians and team members:

• Follow these safety instructions.
• Report hazardous conditions immediately to Clean It Now.
• Participate in safety trainings conducted or sponsored by Clean It Now.
• Report injuries, near misses and accidents to Clean It Now.

SAFETY STANDARDS

1. Clean It Now reserves the right to dismiss any employee, with or without prior disciplinary action, if that employee engages in dangerous games.
2. Do not run while working on Clean It Now premises, in the office or at customer homes or businesses.
3. Always follow the prescribed safety precautions.
4. Do not use electrical appliances, tools or equipment with visibly frayed or exposed wires.
5. Clean It Now does not provide employees with bleach or ammonia-based products. Do not mix chlorine or bleach with ammonia products; this creates a toxic gas that can seriously harm your health and that of your teammates. Use of unauthorized chemicals and products may result in immediate termination.
6. Do not lean out of high windows or over balconies and do not expose yourself to possible falls from great heights (such as countertops or beyond the third rung of a ladder).
7. Ensure a safe work environment for yourself and your teammates by being aware of equipment, materials, and supplies that could cause you to trip.
8. Try not to lift too many items up or down the stairs at once to avoid tripping hazards.
9. Always inform all employees and/or clients present when mopping begins to prevent the risk of slipping.

10. All Clean It Now employees are required to wear rubber-soled tennis shoes while at work, whether in the office or with customers, to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
11. Tennis shoe laces must be properly tied at all times.
12. Shoes may not be removed under any circumstances.
13. Trousers and work pants should be well hemmed and hang 5 centimeters above the floor to prevent slipping, falling and tripping.
14. Never lift more than 20 kilos. When lifting, bend your knees, not your back. Ask for help if necessary.
15. Drivers of commercial vehicles must comply with traffic regulations at all times.
16. Always wear your seat belt in a commercial vehicle, regardless of which seat you sit in.
17. Alternate cleaning tasks to avoid overloading one part of the body.
18. Always follow safety instructions provided and report all injuries or near misses to management immediately. Failure to report injuries or near misses may result in immediate termination.
19. Never sleep on the job, including in company vehicles or at customer homes and businesses.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Chemicals, Tools & Accessories

• Make sure not to hit your teammates with their equipment.
• Store chemicals in the cleaning container when not in use.
• Spray chemicals onto sponges rather than directly onto surfaces.
• Rinse chemicals from sponges, rags and microfiber mops.
• Do not spray Easy-Off Fume Free while team members or customers are in the same room.
• Rinse all chemicals from surfaces.
• Do not use chemicals not supplied by Clean It Now.
• Do not use chemicals without labels; return them to the Clean It Now office for relabeling.
• Do not intentionally or directly smell chemicals.
• Do not mix chemicals under any circumstances.
• Load the car properly.
• Make sure the razor blades are closed.
• Close the caps of chemical bottles.

Phone call Clean It Now immediately if:

• Chemicals have been spilled on an employee's property.
• Chemical spills of more than one cup occur.

In case of chemical eye contamination:

• Rinse eyes with plenty of running water, occasionally lifting eyelids. Call a doctor immediately. If you conclude that your life is in danger, call 112 immediately.

In case of chemical skin irritation:

• Wash the affected area thoroughly with plenty of running water. If irritation persists, call a doctor. If your life is in danger, call 112 immediately.

In case of chemical inhalation:

• Remove person to fresh air. If irritation persists, call a doctor. If your life is in danger, call 112 immediately.

In case of chemical intake:

• Drink two large glasses of water or milk. If you vomit, keep your airways clear. Call a doctor immediately. If your life is in danger, call 112 immediately.

Body mechanics

• Do not lift more than 20 kg without assistance.
• Wear knee pads if you are on your knees for more than three minutes.
• Bend at your knees, not at your waist or back.
• Rotate chores between different houses (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.).
• Use two hands to lift.
• Take mandatory breaks.
• Do not make any jerky or sudden movements.

Driving responsibility

• Obey ALL traffic laws.
• Make sure you always stand completely still.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Do not call or text while driving.
• Be polite to other drivers.
• Smile at other drivers.
• Always give way.
• Avoid sudden stops or acceleration.
• Phone call to Clean It Now to immediately report accidents or other driving problems.

Personal responsibility

• Always wear gloves when using chemicals or cleaning bathrooms, medical or dental buildings.
• Wear Clean It Now approved shoes (tennis shoes with rubber soles).
• Do not go in shower within three minutes of spraying chemicals.
• Do not go in shower when it is wet or slippery.
• No physical aggression towards team members, customers or the public.
• Take breaks when necessary.
• Always wear socks.
• Read and understand the chemical reaction sheets (MSDS sheets).
• Keep equipment out of doorways.
• Drink enough water.
• Move slowly in crowded areas.
• Be considerate of the needs and limitations of other team members.
• No profanity or vulgarity during Clean It Now business hours.
• Phone call Clean It Now to report all injuries immediately.

PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS

1. Never pick up objects such as broken glass or sharp objects with your bare hands or broken gloves.
2. Perform all cleanup procedures in a manner that reduces splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids. If your skin surface, eye, or mouth is splashed or splattered with blood or other body fluids, immediately wash or scrub the areas with water.
3. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection.
4. Do not eat, drink, use cosmetics or lip balm, or touch your mouth, nose or eyes in work areas where exposure to infectious agents may occur.

USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR DISEASE PREVENTION

1. Employees are not allowed to come to work if they have a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius or higher.
2. Always wash your hands after using the toilet.
3. Always wear gloves when cleaning toilets or other areas in homes and businesses. Clean It Now is hired to perform these tasks.
4. Always wash your hands after cleaning a toilet before going to another room in the client's home.
5. Keep your hands away from your face and mouth at all times while cleaning in the customer's home.

SAFETY ON STEPS AND LADDERS

1. When using a step stool or ladder, always make sure it is fully extended. Never use a step stool or ladder with more than three steps.
2. If you need something larger than a step stool or ladder, make sure another Clean It Now employee holds the bottom of the ladder while it is being used. Always let your partner know you are using a ladder.
3. This allows other Clean It Now employees to hear you if you fall. In the event of a ladder accident, all employees must respond quickly to call for help for the injured worker.
4. All ladder accidents must be reported immediately to Clean It Now management. Failure to report ladder accidents may result in immediate termination of employment.

FIRST AID & SAFETY EQUIPMENT

NLA regulations require that each team be assigned a first aid kit that is “acceptable to the attending physician.” We were unable to determine the meaning of “acceptable to the attending physician,” as this phrase implies that the physician treating the injured person must approve the contents. This would, of course, be a bit late to ask. However, at a minimum, your first aid kit should contain the following items:

• 1 (16) 1″ X 3″ bandages
• 1 (10) iodine stick
• 1 disposable ice pack
• 1 triangular bandage
• 1 4 oz. first aid spray
• 1 butter plaster
• 1 4 oz. eyewash
• 1 pair scissors
• 1 4″ compression
• 1 pair tweezers
• 1 (6) foil burn ointment
• 1 pair latex gloves
• 1 (4) 3″ X 3″ gauze pads
• 1 (10) ammonia inhalant
• 1 1/2″ X 5 yard adhesive bandage
• 1 2″ roll bandage
• 1 (10) wound wipes
• 1 first aid guide

BACK BRACES

Although not required by NLA regulations, Clean It Now believes that employees should wear back supports to minimize the risk of back injuries from vacuuming, bending, and lifting. If you want to wear one, ask for one.

GLOVES

Team members are provided with protective gloves and must wear them at all times when handling chemicals, cleaning restrooms, or cleaning medical or dental facilities. Return defective or damaged gloves to Clean It Now immediately for replacement. All employees must have extra gloves on hand at all times.

KNEE PADS

Employees are provided with knee pads and must wear them at all times if a task requires them to kneel for more than three minutes.

INJURY PROCEDURE AND REPORTING

If there is ever an injury, no matter how minor it may seem, management must be notified and an injury report must be completed and submitted. Failure to report an injury may result in immediate termination.

In the event of a “Near Miss” incident, please contact management and complete a Near Miss form. Failure to complete this form may also result in immediate termination.

These forms are intended for management to review and assist in determining additional training and protocols to prevent future injury or near miss accidents.

In case of serious injury, call 112 and then contact Clean It Now immediately. Never contact anyone before calling 112.

Please call 112 before contacting Clean It Now so emergency services can respond as quickly as possible.

When calling from a mobile phone, always make sure you have your current address at hand for the 112 operator.

First Aid kits are provided to all Clean It Now employees. These kits are located in the glove compartment of ALL company vehicles.

If you need assistance using the first aid kit, please contact your direct supervisor or manager.

NEAR MISS REPORT

TO BE COMPLETED BY EMPLOYEE

Employee Name: __________________________________________

Date of near accident: _______________________________Time of near accident: _________________

Location where near-accident occurred (client's name and address and location in the home):

Describe what happened:

How do you think this can be avoided in the future?

Following this report, the following corrective actions were implemented:

Signature of the employee:_______________________________________________ 

Date: _________________

INJURY EXAMINATION FORM

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE EMPLOYEE'S DIRECT MANAGER

Employee Name: __________________________________________

Date of injury: _________________________________Time of injury: _________________

Location where the accident occurred (customer's name and address and location in the home or business):

Type of injury (and to which body part or limb):

Type of first aid or other medical care provided:

How did the injury occur and what was the cause?

What corrective measures can be taken to prevent recurrence of such accidents?

Corrective actions taken after submitting this form:

Name of witnesses:

Signature of the employee:_______________________________________________ 

Date: _________________

INJURY AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE NOTICE

ATTENTION: This form must be completed by the employee and must be confirmed by management as proof of receipt.

Employee Name:	Phone number:
Date of accident:	Time of accident:
Place where the accident occurred in the home:
What is the nature of the injury?
Provide an overview of the body parts involved:

Briefly describe the accident or circumstances:
Name of witness(es):
Did you stop working because of this injury? Yes No If yes, please provide date and time:	Are you back at work? Yes No If yes, please provide date and time:
Was first aid provided? If so, by whom?	Name and address of the treating physician, if applicable or known:
Did the accident happen during the normal performance of your work? Yes No	Was anyone else involved? Yes No
If yes, please provide the name(s) of the person(s) involved:

SCHEDULE OF PARTICIPANTS IN SAFETY MEETINGS

Clean It Now Trainer: ________________________________________________________________________

Clean It Now Safety Subject: _________________________________________________________

Veiligheidstraining Datum: _________________________________________________________________

Registration for participants:

Employee Name	Signature of employee

CORRECTIVE PROCEDURE

---

All injuries and near misses must be reported immediately by the employee(s) who experienced the injury or near miss by completing the Injury or Near Miss Reporting Form(s).

All reports of injuries and near misses should be submitted to Clean It Now to ensure corrective action is taken to reduce the likelihood of a similar injury or near miss occurring again.

Near Misses should be reported to your direct manager or business owner, and the process for investigating and correcting the problem is as described below. Corrective procedures will be presented at the next scheduled safety meeting.

Corrective procedure:

Clean It Now is responsible for enforcing ALL rules, regulations and procedures in the Safety Manual, as well as more specific safety policies that are incorporated from time to time in other written programs. All corrective procedures are documented.

In the event an employee violates one or more provisions of the Code of Conduct or violates the Clean It Now safety guidelines, the employee will receive a written corrective procedure.

After three corrective procedures have been implemented, the team member may be terminated upon notice of further violations or, if applicable, immediately dismissed.