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Safety training resources for janitors, cleaners, and grounds workers

Safety at Work, TDI Division of Workers' Compensation

DWC publications:

Safety basics for janitorial, cleaning, and grounds work

Help workers recognize common hazards in custodial, housekeeping, and grounds maintenance jobs and follow safe work practices from the start.

Cleaning chemicals and hazard communication

Cleaners and custodial workers often use disinfectants, degreasers, strippers, and other chemicals that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. These resources help workers understand labels, Safety Data Sheets, and safe chemical handling practices.

Slips, trips, and falls

Wet floors, cords, clutter, uneven sidewalks, and outdoor surfaces can lead to slips, trips, and falls in buildings and on grounds.

Lifting, repetitive tasks, and ergonomics

Cleaning and grounds work often involves lifting supplies, pushing carts, bending, reaching, and repeating the same motions throughout the day. These resources help reduce strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Biological hazards and exposure to waste

Janitors and cleaners may be exposed to blood, body fluids, trash, sharps, mold, and other biological hazards while cleaning restrooms, handling waste, or working in health care and public settings.

Equipment, electrical, and machine safety

Buffers, vacuums, mowers, trimmers, extension cords, and other equipment can cause shocks

Outdoor work, weather, and grounds hazards

Grounds workers often work outdoors in heat, cold, sun, and changing weather, and may be exposed to insects, wildlife, and poisonous plants.

Tree trimming and landscaping tasks

Some grounds workers perform tree trimming, brush clearing, and other landscaping tasks that involve saws, ladders, and falling branches.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The right gloves, footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, and protective clothing can help prevent chemical exposures, cuts, slips, and equipment-related injuries.

  • 5 Tips for Using Personal Protective Equipment (English).
  • Eye Injury Prevention Fact Sheet (English/Spanish).
  • Eye Protection Safety Training Program (English/Spanish).
  • Foot and Leg Protection – Workplace Program (English/Spanish).
  • Footwear Safety Fact Sheet (English/Spanish).
  • OSHA Shifts from Hard Hats to Safety Helmets (English).
  • Personal Protective Equipment Fact Sheet (English/Spanish).
  • Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Training Program (English/Spanish).
  • Personal Protective Equipment Workplace Program (English/Spanish).
  • Protective Clothing Workplace Program (English/Spanish).
  • Respirator Fit Test – Take 5 for Safety (English).
  • Respiratory Protection in the Workplace: Fit Testing Matters! (English/Spanish).
  • Respiratory Protection Sample Written Program (English).
  • Respiratory Protection Workplace Program (English/Spanish).

First aid response

Some janitors and cleaners work alone, after hours, or in isolated parts of buildings, which can increase risks from violence, medical emergencies, or delayed response.

Training programs available:

More information on training programs is available in the Training Program Descriptions publication, visit www.txsafetyatwork.com, or contact Workplace Safety at 512-804-4610 or SafetyTraining@tdi.texas.gov.

Help from your insurance company:

If you have a workers’ compensation policy in Texas, your insurance company must give you free accident prevention help, including:

  • Surveys.
  • Consultations.
  • Safety advice and training.
  • Industrial hygiene and health services.
  • Claims history.
  • Accident analysis.

You must contact your insurance company for help. If you have any trouble getting help from your insurance company, contact DWC at 800-687-7080 or healthsafety@tdi.texas.gov.

For more information, contact: SafetyTraining@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 5/19/2026