Training the green cleaning workforce

 

The training of the green cleaning workforce is a multifaceted process that requires a deep understanding of the benefits and applications of green cleaning, tailored instructional approaches, and a focus on health and safety.

 

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Housekeeping
 
February 27, 2024
 
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Training the green cleaning workforce
 

The green cleaning movement is revolutionizing the cleaning industry, emphasizing health of frontline workers and facility occupants while simultaneously reducing negative impacts on the environment. This comprehensive training approach is crucial for effectively implementing green cleaning practices.

Green cleaning: Definition and benefits
Green cleaning involves products and services that reduce harmful impacts on human health and the environment as compared to similar products and services that are used for the same purpose.  This definition does not assume that conventional products or services are bad or harmful.  Rather, the green cleaning movement simply recognizes that new innovations in products and procedures allow the cleaning industry to effectively perform the necessary tasks, while being cost effective and further reducing impacts on health and the environment.

  • Environmental benefits:
    Traditional cleaning agents often contain chemicals that can harm health and aquatic ecosystems when they enter waterways after disposal. Green cleaning products minimize this impact. Examples include using a cleaner with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reduce the potential for respiratory irritation or contain no ingredients that are known to cause cancer.  Beyond cleaning chemicals there are environmental benefits to be had by using paper products and plastic can liners made with recycled content to reduce the demand for the cutting of trees and the use of nonrenewable natural resources such as petroleum and natural gas.

  • Healthier workplaces:
    Green cleaning procedures focus on cleaning for health as opposed to appearances which reduces occupants’ exposure to harmful contaminants that can affect their health and performance.  Well trained frontline workers given the proper tools and sufficient time to do the assigned task can make a real impact especially in facilities with vulnerable occupants such as in hospitals, long term care, occupants recovering from cancer or other illnesses that result in reduce immunology, young children, and others.

  • Safety improvements:
    Green cleaning also focuses on safety for frontline workers.  In addition to the availability and proper use of personal protective equipment, green cleaning considers chemical products that reduce harmful exposures to workers.  Beyond chemicals, green cleaning considers the selection and use of janitorial tools and equipment that may be incorrectly sized, damaged, overly heavy or of less-than-optimally designed which can lead to ergonomic injuries such as those to the back, shoulders and knees.  Reducing these injuries are better for frontline workers and can result in healthier and safer facilities as the workers are able to be more effective at their given task.

Procedural Training: Classroom and hands-on

Training in green cleaning involves a blend of theoretical and practical learning.

  • Classroom training: This stage educates workers about the principles and benefits of green cleaning. For example, a module might explain the importance of cleaning, how it can affect health and the environment, product selection based on the soils to be removed, proper use of disinfectants, importance of correctly diluting concentrated chemicals, quality control methods, and more.
  • Hands-on training: Practical application is crucial. Training a frontline worker to properly clean a restroom, perform carpet and hard floor care among other tasks most effectively done as hands-on training especially after the basics have been taught in the classroom.

Adapting training to frontline workers

Training should be tailored to the diverse backgrounds of cleaning staff.

  1. Language and culture: Offering multilingual training materials, such as written documents, training tools, and instructional videos in Arabic, Persian (Farsi), Turkish, Berber, Kurdish or other languages depending on the native language of the frontline workers will enhance understanding.
  2. Learning styles: Incorporating varied teaching methods, like interactive demonstrations for kinesthetic learners or illustrative flowcharts for visual learners, can cater to different preferences.  Remember, not all frontline workers can read, so having multiple training approaches will be most effective.
  3. Feedback opportunities: Regular feedback sessions or suggestion forums where workers can share their experiences and preferences, such as their comfort with using backpack vacuums, on-site generators of cleaning chemicals, incorporating robotics into the cleaning program, quality control and other issues, can provide valuable insights.

Health protection training

A core component of green cleaning training is the focus on worker health and safety.

  1. Chemical Safety: Workers learn about safer alternatives and proper handling practices. For example, training might include a review of the technical data contained on a Safety Data Sheet to help them understand first aid and other important exposure and usage issues.
  2. Ergonomic Training: This includes practical lessons on correct physical techniques to minimize strain and injury risk. For example, demonstrating the proper way to use long-handled brushes or mops can help reduce back injuries.

Business benefits of green cleaning training

The benefits of training a green cleaning workforce extend to various business aspects.

  1. Increased efficiency: Proper training in using concentrated green cleaners can lead to more efficient use, reducing waste and cost. For example, correctly diluting a concentrated all-purpose cleaner can make it last longer and clean more effectively.
  2. Employee retention: Comprehensive training can lead to higher job satisfaction. A survey might reveal that employees value the safer, healthier work environment provided by green cleaning practices, leading to lower turnover.
  3. Healthier work environment: Transitioning to green cleaning can result in fewer health-related absences. A longitudinal study might show a decrease in respiratory problems among staff after switching to less harmful cleaning agents.
  4. Enhanced corporate image: A business’s commitment to green cleaning can boost its reputation. Customer surveys might reflect increased satisfaction due to the company's environmental responsibility.
  5. Cost savings: Long-term, the efficient use of green products and reduced health incidents can lead to significant cost savings. A financial analysis could show reduced spending on healthcare and cleaning supplies over time.

Conclusion
The training of the green cleaning workforce is a multifaceted process that requires a deep understanding of the benefits and applications of green cleaning, tailored instructional approaches, and a focus on health and safety. Incorporating real-world examples and practical applications into training makes it more effective and relatable. Such an approach promotes a healthier and more sustainable environment and aligns with strategic business practices, as evidenced by improved operational efficiency, employee wellbeing, and a strengthened corporate image.

About the author
Stephen Ashkin is president of The Ashkin Group a green cleaning consultancy, CEO of Green2Sustainble the cleaning industry’s leader in sustainability reporting, and executive director of the Green Cleaning Network which is working to bring green cleaning to the Middle East.  Currently he serves on the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Existing Buildings committee where he is updating its cleaning requirements and co chairs ISSA’s Sustainability Committee where he was recently recognized by ISSA as one of the most influential members of the global cleaning industry over the past 100 years.  He can be reached at Steve@AshkinGroup.com