Ergonomics is an important area for occupational health. Cleaning is semi-hard physical work that an employee should be able to do from entering the full-time labour market until retirement. Occupational health is very important for this. There are various hazards in the work environment of cleaning service workers: chemical, biological, physical, mental. In the case of occupational diseases, the effects are usually noticeable years later, and it may be difficult to establish links between working conditions and the effects, but they do exist.
Lead Partner Puhastusekspert OÜ organized their training materials during the 2020. The part of cleaning ergonomics was assembled more than 20 years ago. They started compiling newer materials, searched for information, materials to rely on, and communicated with cleaning specialists and occupational health specialists in Estonia and abroad. It was hoped to find relevant modern materials. They were not found, other trainers, such as Tarja Valkosalo, the partner of this project, also pointed out the need for good modern cleaning ergonomics materials. Examining the available research and analyses, it became clear that everyone recognizes the lack of awareness, the lack of materials and the importance of the topic. Cleaning ergonomics is an important area that directly affects human health. Developing good, knowledge-based materials is a big job.
In May 2021 we presented project application to Erasmus+ and started with project November 2021. For the project we needed a variety of partners who were enthusiastic about the field and also had the required experience. Achieving the desired result and making the necessary changes is more likely by managing the project ourselves. This is the reason why Puhastusekspert OÜ decided to be the lead partner because we have experience from several previous projects in which we have been partners, and we are currently managing a project as well. Prior experience suggests that successful project work is based on a reliable and hard-working team. This is why a variety of partners are involved in the project, as they help maintain a balance.