Janitorial & Custodial Workers

Janitors and custodians keep offices, schools, hospitals and stores running, often at night and alone. Their injuries come from chemicals, wet floors, heavy trash, and what’s hidden in it, like needles and broken glass.

• General Industry
• Building services

Top hazards

• Chemical burns, skin rashes and breathing problems from cleaners
• Toxic gases from mixing products
• Slips on wet floors
• Back and shoulder strain from trash, buckets and floor machines
• Needlesticks and cuts from trash
• Blood and body fluid cleanup
• Falls from ladders and step stools
• Working alone at night

Chemicals

• Read the label and SDS, and use the PPE they call for. See Hazard Communication.
• Use dispensing systems that dilute concentrates automatically when available.
• Label every spray bottle with what’s in it.
• Never mix products, especially bleach with ammonia or acid cleaners. See Acids & Caustics.
• Ventilate when using strong products.

Floors and lifting

• Put out wet floor signs, mop in sections, and leave a dry path. See Slips & Trips.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes.
• Use carts and wheeled bins; don’t overfill trash bags. Test weight before lifting.
• Plug floor machines into GFCI outlets and check cords for damage.

Trash, sharps and body fluids

• Never push trash down with your hands or feet, and hold bags away from your body. See Needles & Sharps.
• Clean blood and body fluids only if trained, with gloves and approved disinfectant. See Bloodborne Pathogens.

Working alone

• Someone knows your schedule and checks in
• Phone or radio on you at all times
• Know exits and how to call for help
• Don’t open doors for strangers after hours

See Working Alone.

Last updated: October 2, 2026