Crisis Clean-up: Handling Cleaning After a Workplace Accident

When a workplace accident occurs, addressing the situation quickly and effectively is crucial — not just for safety, but for maintaining a clean and functional environment. Proper crisis clean-up involves a structured approach that minimizes risks, restores the workspace, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. Let’s break down the essential steps businesses should follow for post-accident cleaning.

Immediate Response: Ensuring Safety First

Before any cleaning begins, the priority is ensuring the safety of all employees and visitors. This means quickly assessing the situation and taking the following steps:

• Evacuate or secure the area: If there are hazards such as chemical spills, broken glass, or biohazards, restrict access immediately.
• Notify appropriate personnel: Alert emergency responders if needed, as well as your company's health and safety officers.
• Document the scene: Record details of the accident for insurance purposes and internal reporting.
• Wear proper protective gear: Ensure all responders and cleaners wear the necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the type of hazard present.

Containment and Hazard Removal

Once the area is secured, focus on containing the damage and removing hazards safely. Different accidents require specific approaches:

• Chemical spills: Use spill containment kits designed for the particular type of chemical involved. Neutralize the spill according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Bloodborne pathogens: Clean using EPA-approved disinfectants and follow OSHA guidelines for handling biohazards.
• Broken materials: Safely remove glass, debris, or damaged equipment, using protective gloves and sealed disposal containers.

Lawton Bros Tip: Always have a fully stocked emergency clean-up kit in easily accessible locations to handle various types of workplace accidents.

Deep Cleaning and Sanitization

After removing immediate hazards, thoroughly clean and sanitize the area to prevent contamination or further risk:

• Disinfect all surfaces: Use high-grade disinfectants suitable for the specific accident — whether chemical, biohazard, or otherwise.
• Air quality checks: If the accident involved airborne contaminants, use air purifiers or proper ventilation systems to clear the air.
• Floor care: Clean, sanitize, and dry all flooring, ensuring there is no residual slipperiness that could cause secondary accidents.

Lawton Bros Tip: Implement a color-coded cleaning system to prevent cross-contamination. For example, red for biohazard zones, blue for general areas, and yellow for chemical spill zones.

Post-Clean-Up Inspection and Reporting

A crucial but often overlooked step is the final inspection and documentation of the clean-up process:

• Conduct a safety audit: Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned and safe for re-entry.
• Document all actions taken: Record the cleaning process, products used, and time spent for liability and insurance purposes.
• Review with your team: Communicate with staff about what happened, how it was resolved, and any new safety measures that will be implemented.

Lawton Bros Tip: Schedule a follow-up check a few days later to confirm the area remains safe and clean, particularly for biohazard-related incidents.

Preventative Measures and Future Planning

Finally, use the incident as a learning opportunity to strengthen your workplace’s emergency preparedness and cleaning protocols:

• Update your cleaning procedures: Integrate new practices based on what worked and what didn’t.
• Train your staff: Provide refresher training on emergency response and proper cleaning methods.
• Restock supplies: Replenish your emergency clean-up kits with essential items.

Lawton Bros Tip: Review and practice your emergency response plan with your team to build confidence and efficiency in handling future incidents.

By following these structured steps, businesses can confidently handle crisis clean-ups while prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and compliance. Lawton Bros is here to help you prepare for the unexpected — from providing top-tier cleaning supplies to offering expert advice on workplace sanitation.

Ready to bolster your emergency cleaning plan? Contact Lawton Bros today to learn more.