The Importance of PPE in Janitorial Services

In the world of janitorial services, there’s one non-negotiable aspect that separates responsible businesses from negligent ones: the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for janitors. Failing to provide your cleaning staff

with the necessary PPE is not just a minor oversight—it’s a serious violation of workplace safety for janitors that can have devastating consequences for your employees and your business as a whole.

When you neglect to invest in proper PPE, you’re exposing your janitorial team to various potential hazards, from chemical burns and respiratory issues to slips, trips, and falls. These injuries not only jeopardize the health and well-being of your staff but also lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims.

Not to mention, disregarding janitorial PPE standards can put your business at risk of legal action and substantial fines from regulatory agencies like OSHA. The financial burden of non-compliance can be crippling, not to mention the irreparable damage to your reputation as an employer who prioritizes the safety of their workforce.

The bottom line is this: Personal protective equipment for janitors is not a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity. The cost of not making PPE available for janitorial workers and not ensuring they use it properly can cost employers time and money. Best practices for PPE in the janitorial industry will keep everyone safe and prevent insurance claims and legal issues.

So, let’s dive deeper into the world of PPE in janitorial services and explore the essential role it plays in creating a safe, productive, and compliant workplace.

Why PPE Is Important in Janitorial Services

Your janitorial team is constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and challenging messes while keeping our facilities spotless. Dirt, bacteria, and germs must be wiped away before a space becomes clean and sanitary. Depending on the surface being cleaned and the type of germs that are present, toxic chemicals may be needed to clean surfaces, which can cause health issues for those who use them. For example, harsh chemicals can cause short-term health concerns such as coughing, asthma, eye irritations, and burns on the skin. Certain chemicals may lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, organ damage, reproductive problems, or mental health issues, and mold can cause allergic reactions.

Without proper PPE, your janitorial workers are at risk of serious health issues and injuries, ranging from chemical burns to respiratory problems.

As another example, the environment where employees work may pose a health hazard for janitorial workers. For example, workers who use machinery in poorly ventilated areas may be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Some workers may be unknowingly exposed to lead or asbestos, which can lead to serious health problems. Janitors working in medical facilities may be exposed to biological hazards, such as pathogens in blood or bodily fluids.

At a minimum, janitors should have the following PPE equipment available to them and be trained on how to use it properly:

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Masks
• Protective clothing

The High Price of Skimping on PPE:

Employees who don’t understand the need for PPE can get annoyed with it. The masks are hot, and gloves, goggles, or other protective coverings get in their way. However, the cost of workers not wearing the proper PPE can add up in a variety of ways, and it can add up quickly. Not only does it put your team’s safety at risk, but it can also have severe repercussions for our business:

Health Hazards and Injuries

When you fail to provide adequate janitor safety gear, our staff becomes vulnerable to a wide range of hazards. These incidents can lead to lost workdays, reduced productivity, and skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims.

As we briefly discussed, chemicals, gases, and other substances can harm the lungs, skin, or other organs. Failing to wear the proper protection can impact eyesight and the ability to move fingers, toes, or limbs.

Legal Trouble and Penalties

Neglecting janitorial PPE standards can land our business in hot water with regulatory agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

An injured or ill employee could file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If an OSHA investigation demonstrates you’re not following employee safety or cleaning industry guidelines, you may have to pay a fine which could be in the thousands of dollars. If a third party is affected by the lack of PPE, your company could be sued.

Reputational Damage

Word travels fast in the business world. If our company becomes known for disregarding workplace safety for janitors, it can be challenging to attract and retain top talent. News of an illness or injury could quickly become viral in the media or on social media which could tarnish your company’s reputation. A negative brand reputation could impact your bottom line.

Insurance Claims

An illness or injury could lead to a workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit which would cause you to file a claim on your commercial insurance policy. Too many claims of this sort could cause your premiums to increase.

We’ll look at a case study to demonstrate how a minor misuse of PPE could cost an employer in several ways. Meet Sean, an employee who was working on a refrigeration unit. Suddenly, the unit came off a jig and fell on Sean’s right hand. While Sean was wearing protective hand gloves, they left his fingers exposed. The doctors stitched up Sean’s hand, yet once the injury healed, it left him with limited movement and a noticeable scar. The court ruled that the company had failed in its duty of care by not providing proper PPE for Sean.

The fallout? Sean lost 2 ½ days of work and he filed a workers’ compensation claim. But that’s not all. The company could have also been fined by OSHA, and their insurance premiums may have increased. Worst of all, the worker’s fingers were compromised for life, and that doesn’t speak well for the company’s reputation. Talk about a costly mistake!

Proper Usage Is the Key to PPE Effectiveness

Investing in PPE is just the first step. To truly reap the benefits of PPE, we need to ensure that your janitorial team knows how to use it correctly. Proper implementation is critical for meeting janitorial safety standards, and ensuring PPE is keeping your workers from workplace hazards.

Here are some questions to consider as you perform a PPE risk assessment:

• Have you trained employees thoroughly and provided demonstrations on how to use PPE properly?
• Do you regularly inspect PPE equipment to ensure it isn’t worn or soiled?
• Do you have a process for replacing worn equipment?
• Are employees maintaining PPE, such as cleaning safety glasses, properly?
• Have you instructed employees on how to properly dispose of PPE?
• Have you properly trained workers on how to clean up chemical spills safely?
• Have you cautioned workers to never mix different cleaning materials?
• Have you trained workers at a level and in a language they can understand?

The following resources will help your company to implement PPE compliance solutions:

• Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals
• When and How to Wash Your Hands 
• Sequence for Putting on PPE
• PPE Requirements in Janitorial, Maintenance, Repair, Construction, and Demolition Services
• Facilities/Custodial Services – Yale Environmental Health & Safety

Be sure that your PPE is always well-stocked to prevent the chance that an employee goes to work without it.

Ensuring PPE Is Always Available

Even the best PPE is useless if it’s not readily available when our team needs it. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide employees with PPE and pay for it as outlined in OSHA’s standards. A standard passed in 2008 states that employers cannot require their employees to provide their own PPE. That said, employees may use their own PPE if they choose, as long as it adequately protects them from hazards at the workplace.

There are some exceptions to the rule. For example, employees may have to purchase steel-toe shoes or boots or non-specialty prescription eyewear on their own.

This means regularly assessing your inventory, restocking when necessary, and having a system in place for our staff to easily request replacements. Assign someone to do regular stock checks and place orders for PPE regularly. While the cost is a consideration, good quality PPE saves lives. You may be able to work with suppliers for the best deals when ordering from them regularly.

Best Practices for Using PPE Like a Pro

To ensure your janitorial staff is using PPE like the pros they are, we’ve put together a list of best practices to inform your policies:

• Select the right PPE for the task and ensure it fits properly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storage to extend the lifespan of the equipment.
• Train workers on how to put on PPE and take it off properly.
• Ensure a proper fit for each individual staff member—one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to PPE!
• Require workers to inspect PPE for damage or wear and tear before using it.
• Train workers on how to properly clean and sanitize PPE.
• Choose the least hazardous cleaning chemical for the task at hand.
• Be sure cleaning solutions target the microorganisms that are present.
• Ensure PPE is well-stocked at all times.
• Follow proper guidelines for disposing of PPE that is contaminated or disposable.
• Lead by example—when management takes PPE seriously, staff will follow suit.

Lastly, encourage workers to communicate openly about any concerns they have about wearing or using PPE. Good communication will foster a culture of safety.

Insure Your Janitorial Company With the Best in the Industry

Safeguarding your janitorial staff goes beyond providing proper PPE—it also means properly insuring your business. With NIP Group’s MaintenancePro specialized insurance, your commitment to safety and compliance gets the protection it deserves.

MaintenancePro is a leader in the janitorial industry serving janitorial services, maintenance services, window cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaners, and more. Secure personalized coverage designed for the janitorial industry to elevate your safety standards while safeguarding your team, clients, and reputation.

Schedule a consultation with us today to protect your business and the well-being of your valued employees.