3.3.5. Access to information, training and OSH services
Lack of training or poor training at the workplace is mentioned several times in the research [9] [20].
However, general health and safety training as well as training on the use of equipment and on suitable
work postures is essential to improve cleaners’ health and safety. In particular, it is important to make
sure that cleaning workers who work outside the regular working hours have access to health and
safety information and trainings provided to other workers during regular working times, such as
emergency and fire simulations12.
There is also a lack of easy-to-access information on the specific risks of the cleaning sector and
prevention measures for employers and safety officers. Analysis of available information from literature,
brochures, guides or web pages in most of the EU countries suggests serious gaps in an access to
simple tools for hazards identification and risk assessment specific to cleaners’ working environment.
The social partners of the cleaning sector have developed a manual for employees on health and safety
in the office cleaning sector. [19]