Fed Of Window Cleaners In Pole Position

• Content
• Cleaning, Hygiene & Washroom
• Fed Of Window Cleaners In Pole Position

15 June 2018

The British Cleaning Council has backed a new research project to reduce the injury risk associated with long reach equipment.

The research initiative, which could improve the safety and wellbeing of cleaning operatives who use long reach washing equipment, has secured a BCC grant.

The £2,000 grant goes to the Federation of Window Cleaners to allow them to participate in a partnership that includes the HSE, Principle Cleaning, Specialist Window Cleaning and NJC. Together they are working with ergonomic specialists DorsaVi.

DorsaVi produce ViSafe wearable body sensors and software that can help identify, prioritise and control injury risk by measuring movement profiles and muscle activity in real work environments.

Data generated by DorsaVi’s technology will allow the HSE and participating partners to understand the impact on the users back, shoulders and neck when using long pole reach and wash equipment. As a result of this study, which is being conducted now, the partnership will identify, validate and establish best practice techniques to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

In addition, they will formulate guidance for optimal equipment training, including content and data to integrate into in-house training courses. They also hope to embed a series of best practice principles across the whole of the cleaning sector.

Stan Atkins, Chair of the BCC, said: “The BCC is keen to support any Council member who brings forward a viable proposition which add real value to the cleaning industry. This project is a great example of this as it has the potential to reduce the risk of serious and long-term injury which can occur from the repetitive or  incorrect use of long reach equipment in the workplace.”

Andrew Lee, Chair of the Federation of Window Cleaners, said: “The introduction of reach and wash equipment has been very effective at reducing the need to work at height. However, this equipment brings its own challenges in risk for injury to the user from repeated movements of the lower back, shoulders and neck. We are looking forward to working with the partners to help tackle some of these issues.”

Picture:  British Cleaning Council member, the Federation of Window Cleaners, has secured a grant to allow it to join other partners in investigating the potential for washing poles to cause musculoskeletal disorders.

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 15 June 2018

Share

Related Articles