OPINION
Why cleaners are at risk of spreading COVID-19 Words Bridget Gardner
T
he coronavirus pandemic has placed a spotlight on risks in the cleaning process like never before. We’ve been focused on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces effectively to remove the virus and protect building occupants. We’ve talked about hand hygiene and preventing the risk of cross-contaminating surfaces. And we’ve paid attention to protecting cleaners on the front-line via properly fitted (and removed) PPE. But until recently, I had not considered the risk of cleaning personnel being a potential source of COVID-19 transmission. Yet that is exactly what is occurring here in Victoria.
CLEANERS ARE A HIGH RISK OF SPREADING COVID-19 Victoria’s Hotel Quarantine Inquiry found the casual workforce were at the epicentre of Melbourne’s second wave. The report states casual workers pose a high risk of spreading the virus because: • They are often migrants who don’t understand the risks and rules, or young people who ignore them • Without paid leave entitlements or job security, casuals cannot afford to isolate for two weeks and are scared of losing their job if they do, so they keep quiet and keep working • Being on minimum wages, they often hold two or more jobs, spreading germs between workplaces. 58 INCLEAN November / December 2020
This is a huge risk for Australia and the cleaning industry. According to a 2019 parliamentary inquiry, there are more than 2.6 million casual workers employed in Australia, representing 24.4 per cent of all employees. More than 40 per cent of cleaners are casually employed, with many more permanent part-time workers.
LESSONS FROM A SHOPPING CENTRE OUTBREAK In August a cleaner working at The Butcher Club at Victoria’s Chadstone Shopping Centre tested positive for COVID-19. By early October, there were 31 active cases with two other shops and members of the public affected, and The Butcher Club manager in intensive care. A delivery man travelled 115kms north of Melbourne and sat in a cafe, infecting a further 5 people. At least four businesses had to close and all associated staff and families placed in two weeks isolation, some seriously ill, because one cleaner failed to self-isolate after family members were diagnosed with COVID-19.
FIVE STRATEGIES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD The potential risks and consequences of your cleaners inadvertently spreading COVID-19 to your customer’s staff, and visitors through your own team could be devastating. I highly recommend you add this risk in your risk management plan and consider the following five strategies.