In the worker's perspective, WorkCover Queensland underscores the importance of effective cleaning management systems, emphasizing the need for suitable cleaning methods, schedules, equipment, trained cleaners, and reliable communication and consultation.

Considerations include:

• Recognizing that good cleaning reduces contamination, while bad cleaning increases contamination.
• Checking for signs of a poor cleaning system, such as floors that are not fully dry and accessible, unattended spills and contaminants, a build-up of cleaning product residues, cleaning equipment and cords left across walkways, and ad hoc, unplanned, or reactive cleaning.
• Acknowledging a range of proven strategies to control the risk of slips, trips, and falls while maintaining clean and contaminant-free surfaces.
• Emphasizing that effective cleaning methods leave a clean and dry surface, free from moisture or dry waste, avoid a build-up of cleaning products, maintain the slip-resistant properties of the floor/surface, and are tailored to the specific flooring and contaminants.
• Highlighting the importance of systematic and well-planned cleaning schedules, including routine daily cleaning during quiet/slow periods, periodic deep/comprehensive cleaning, rapid response to spills, coverage of indoor and outdoor areas, and accommodation for periods of bad weather.
• Ensuring that cleaning equipment and products are suited to the task, environment, and users, do not spread the problem, and include barriers and signs to keep people off wet areas if 'clean-to-dry' is not possible.
• Recognizing the role of trained and supervised cleaners, all workers assisting in spot cleaning/spills management, and trained supervisors overseeing work practices.
• Encouraging workplace visitors and others to report hazards where appropriate.
• Noting that details regarding the correct cleaning system may be provided in a Safe Work Method Statement or other procedural guidance.
• Emphasizing the need for consultation with flooring and cleaning equipment suppliers to determine the most suitable cleaning methods based on the workplace's requirements.

In the worker's perspective, WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the crucial role of correct and timely floor cleaning in reducing slips. Incorrect cleaning methods or the use of inappropriate chemical solutions can lead to slippery surfaces and diminish the slip-resistance of certain flooring types. For instance, polish buildup and excessive residues may result from improper cleaning practices. It is recommended to engage in discussions with the cleaning manager, contractor, and/or flooring supplier to ensure that cleaning methods are effective for all areas.

Furthermore, effective cleaning systems play a vital role in ensuring that staff, contractors, and others understand and fulfill their roles and responsibilities in preventing slips and trips.

As part of the risk assessment process, it is advised to:

• Confirm that cleaning methods for all floors and paths are thoroughly specified and documented or regularly updated.
• Ensure that cleaning contractors are briefed on the required methods and standards.
• Schedule cleaning during periods of minimal foot traffic in the area.
• Provide workers with training on procedures for addressing slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Clearly define and communicate accountability for floor quality and housekeeping to all staff.
• Ensure that supervisors undergo adequate training and are capable of appropriately supervising work practices.
• Establish a reliable spot-cleaning system that is known by all staff.

If any of the above components are lacking, they should be included in the Risk Control Plan for prompt action.