Assessment of the development and implementation of tools in contract cleaning Therese Öhrling * , Rupesh Kumar, Lena Abrahamsson Lulea University of Technology, 971 87 Lulea, Lulea, Sweden article info Article history: Received 10 January 2011 Accepted 2 November 2011 Keywords: Cleaning work Work organization Ergonomic equipment abstract This paper illustrates and discusses problems with the implementation and use of ergonomic tools and techniques in the process of cleaning. Cleaning is an occupation with a high risk of developing work- related disorders. One high-strain task where recommended tools and techniques are difficult to apply is cleaning staircases. This study evaluated the muscular activity of cleaners while mopping staircases using two different mop handles and found that an easily adjustable mop handle can decrease a cleaner’s physical load. The results also show that the implementation and contextualization of the mop are of great importance for how a mop is used. A more holistic approach is needed to improve the benefits of good tools and techniques in cleaning work. More research is needed on how workplace organization can be improved to support the implementation of strategies to increase the health of professional cleaners. Ó 2011 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction 1.1. The aim of the study During the last decade, new tools and better work techniques have entered the cleaning industry. Nevertheless, cleaners are the workers with the highest risk of developing work-related disorders and also have a high risk of leaving their job before their intended retirement (AFA, 2009; Hopsu et al., 2003; SWEA, 2003). The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) to evaluate muscular activities when mopping staircases using two different mop handles and (2) to identify and discuss difficulties with the implementation of new tools and techniques in cleaning work. The use and implementation of tools and techniques has been given little attention not only by earlier research but also within the cleaning industry. Without good implementation strategies, the benefits produced by these new tools could be lost. 1.2. Earlier research in the cleaning work area Cleaning work is a worldwide profession with millions of employees (Louhevaara et al., 1998). Cleaning is an important job to ensure many people’s safety, wellbeing and health. Dust contains particles that can contribute to allergic reactions and damage respiratory organs, and unclean dirty areas can increase the risk of accidents at work places. A clean environment also contributes to higher productivity, quality of work and job satisfaction. Keeping the indoor environment dirt-free also protects it from degradation, which can save money (Hopsu et al., 1994; Kumar and Kumar 2008; Louhevaara, 1997; Wolkoff et al., 1998). Previous research on cleaning work has found that cleaners are exposed to many risks when performing their work. Factors such as repetitive move- ments, working in static and awkward postures and minimal muscular rest are all risk factors for developing the work-related disorders identified as frequently occurring with cleaning work (Bell et al., 2006; Bernard, 1997; Buckle and Devereux, 2002; Hägg, 2000; Hägg et al., 2008b; Johansson and Ljunggren, 1989; Nordander et al., 2000; Unge et al., 2007; Weigall et al., 2005). Other factors, such as time pressure, inconvenient working hours, limited opportunities to influence the work, low appreciation and little respect from other people are also common problems that cleaners face (Aickin, 1998; Aurell, 2001; Messing et al., 1998; Weigall et al., 2005; Woods and Buckle, 2006). In a report from the Swedish Work Environment Authority, SWEA (2003), which presents statistics about the professions with the highest level of monotonous work, including statistics regarding cleaners, 29.3% of the cleaners reported physical illness and pain due to their work. Similar statistics can be found in a report from 2009 by AFA insurance. 1 The AFA’s report shows that out of all of the professions in Sweden, cleaners have the highest risk of developing chronic illnesses that necessitate employer compensation. Cleaners exhibit more than twice as many cases of chronic illnesses per year and per * Corresponding author. E-mail address: therese.ohrling@ltu.se (T. Öhrling). 1 AFA Insurance is an organization owned by Sweden’s labor market parties. The organization insures employees within the private sector, municipalities and county councils. AFA also finances research which aims to improve health in working life. Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Applied Ergonomics journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apergo 0003-6870/$ e see front matter Ó 2011 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2011.11.006 Applied Ergonomics 43 (2012) 687e694