Monday 21 July 2015

Poor Cleaning Cost Economy $1.2 Billion – Solution Needed

The absence of any national cleaning industry training standard continues to place New Zealand businesses at a competitive disadvantage costing the economy $1.2 billion annually says the country’s leading commercial cleaning company.

“The continued rise of influenza cases across the country means the value of cleanliness has become even more essential for businesses, yet a simple step to reduce the spread of influenza is missing,” said Grant McLauchlan, Managing Director of CrestClean.

“The simple fact is that if a workplace has been well cleaned it will reduce the spread of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses, significantly reducing the risk of workplace illness and absenteeism.”

“With the average worker taking 6.6 sick days per year, this is costing the economy $1.26 billion annually and 6.1 million in lost working days,” said Mr McLauchlan.

“Put simply, the benefits of having a clean working environment result in employees reducing their chance of catching a cold or the flu by as much as 80% alongside absenteeism dropping as much as 46%.”

Simple steps can be taken like hygienically cleaning common surfaces with high levels of contamination for example computer mice, keyboards, desk-phones, kitchen sink faucet handles, microwave door handles, refrigerator door handles, vending machine buttons.

“Cleaners need to be aware of these areas and how to clean them. Sadly this is not always the case, leaving workers at risk on a daily basis,” said Mr McLauchlan.

Business owners and employers should recognise that having a properly cleaned office can result in workers being 2-8% more productive in a clean office and in a typical office, this equates to annual savings of $125,000.

“To achieve these benefits, the Government needs to look at introducing a Cleaning Industry Training Standard. This would certainly go a long way to reassuring New Zealand businesses that they are working in a space that has been cleaned to the highest standard,” Mr McLauchlan said.

[ENDS]

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