When I was in my mid-thirties, I was working with Butch Balaun, a customer who owned several successful restaurants in our area. On one occasion, during a routine sales call, I was told I could find him in the kitchen. What I discovered was a very successful business owner up to his elbows in a grimy mess from cleaning out the kitchen’s grease trap. In his characteristically gruff delivery, he commented, “You know, Chuck, it doesn’t matter what our title is—we’re all janitors. We’re always cleaning up messes.” Truer words were never spoken! It’s easy to think that being the boss entitles us to a “get out of jail free” card when it comes to cleaning up messes. Because of our title we may feel we’re somehow above having to clean them up, whether they’re our own mess or someone else’s. It doesn’t. In fact, I’m convinced that when you’re handed the keys to the executive restroom in one hand, you’re given the handle to a mop in the other—personalized with your initials. It seems the higher you perch on your company’s organizational chart, the bigger the messes can be. We become responsible for cleaning up not just our own messes but those of the people who report to us. This gets complicated, and the messes grow larger, when you consider that entrepreneurs are notoriously conflict avoiders. We try to convince ourselves that if we ignore a mess long enough, it will magically clean itself up. But this rarely happens. Instead, the messes just get messier and take longer to clean up when we eventually do. When you’re the boss you can’t just wash your hands of a mess, and there’s no sense pointing fingers, blaming others, or looking for scapegoats. When you’re the boss, you own the mess, and you quickly discover that, contrary to popular belief, messes flow uphill. Sooner or later, they’re going to end up in your lap. My old customer Butch wasn’t the only one who understood the importance of being the janitor. On a more recent level, I don’t need to look any further than someone I worked with for years—Nick Paolella. Many of you know of my years-long involvement with Jon-Don, and many of you knew Nick as one of the owners of that very successful company. What you may not know is how seriously Nick took the whole concept of serving others and his role as “head janitor.” Nick attended all the Jon-Don Strategies for Success programs that I instructed with Bill Yeadon and Steve Toburen. On one particular occasion, Nick’s flight caused him to arrive late, so we weren’t able to introduce him as the owner of the company. He arrived during the lunch break while everyone else was eating, promptly grabbed a trash can and washcloth, and proceeded to bus the seminar room to ready it for the afternoon session. While some of the people knew who he was, many did not. They just figured he was a retired janitor Jon-Don had brought in to help out for the day. It was only the following day when he was introduced as the owner of the company that everyone realized who Nick was. Looking in their eyes, you knew an important lesson had been learned: Even when you’re the head of a large successful company, you’re still a janitor. It’s easy for us to feel demeaned when we’re called on to clean up after someone else, but viewed another way, it’s actually a privilege. Nothing says “servant leader” like cleaning up a mess. What’s more, cleaning up your own mess sets a good example, making it a whole lot easier to insist that others clean up theirs. The next time someone asks you what you do for a living or what your title is, tell them with pride that you’re the janitor and you specialize in cleaning up messes.
GoFree Flex Pro Cordless Backpack Cleans Historic Theatre Built in 1928, the Historic Oroville State Theatre is a community performance space for the city of Oroville, CA. The three-story facility hosts dance recitals, symphonic orchestras, award ceremonies, and theater arts serving every type of community group from very young children to established professional companies.“The community loves this theatre,” said Operations Manager Glennis Roseberry. “In maintaining the theatre, our goal is to go the extra mile and make sure we offer a clean, welcoming house.”Like most historic buildings, Oroville State Theatre comes with its own set of cleaning challenges. There are three flights of stairs that need to be thoroughly vacuumed. Curtains and fabric acoustic panels around the theatre accumulate dust. In the auditorium, 600 seats bolted to the floor are difficult to maneuver and have lots of crevices that trap dirt. In pursuit of creating a cleaner, more welcoming environment, a generous supporter of the theatre donated a ProTeam® GoFree® Flex Pro cordless backpack vacuum. The six-quart unit allows for approximately 75 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge, enough time for Roseberry to complete her vacuuming routine. “The GoFree Flex Pro works just as well on hard surfaces as on carpet,” said Roseberry. “One of the best features is the versatility. I can get places that I can’t easily get with a corded vacuum, like maneuvering between the seats, cleaning the upholstery, and doing the stairways.” Previously, Roseberry and her volunteer staff used an upright vacuum, but it was cumbersome to maneuver, the hose and attachments often couldn’t reach, and airborne dust became a problem. Worst of all, glitter would get everywhere and be nearly impossible to pick up. “We accumulate a huge amount of glitter and dust on the hard surface stairs that lead down to the dressing rooms in the basement. When you have 100 little dancers, you have a lot of glitter,” said Roseberry. “The ProTeam vacuum picks up glitter and keeps it.” Overall the GoFree Flex Pro reduced vacuuming time by 45 minutes to one hour compared to that of an upright. Fabric panels, curtains, and architectural details are now clean, and Roseberry noticed that the air feels cleaner too. “With the GoFree Flex Pro, I can do a lot more a lot faster,” said Roseberry. “The wand is easier to move from side to side than pushing an upright vacuum back and forth. Once the harness is fit to you, you don’t really feel it on your bac
GoFree Flex Pro Cordless Backpack Boosts Productivity at Miller County Hospital Damian Belvedere, account manager for Healthcare Services Group, manages environmental services at Miller County Hospital in Colquitt, GA. His staff of 50 cleans three facilities that comprise a hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and a nursing home. Belvedere's staff previously cleaned VCT floors in the hospital and wood-look vinyl floors in the nursing home with brooms and dust mops prior to mopping or scrubbing with an auto scrubber. For carpeted offices and walk-off mats, they used upright vacuums. Then Belvedere was asked to test the GoFree® Flex Pro cordless backpack vacuum from ProTeam® and report his results. Belvedere put the GoFree Flex Pro to work in the hospital hallways and lobby — areas that he felt needed better floor care than they were getting with his existing tools. "With dust mops and brooms, we never got it all up. Sweeping would sweep dust into the air, and the dust mops would get overloaded and leave dust bunnies behind," said Belvedere. "The GoFree Flex Pro makes a huge difference in the quality of clean. We don’t have dust bunnies anymore." The hospital hallways and lobby used to take an hour and a half to clean with a broom, dustpan, and dust mop. The GoFree Flex Pro cut that time in half. Its Lithium Ion battery with approximate 75-minute runtime allows the cleaning staff to apply the cleaning power of a backpack vacuum in an area without available power outlets. The cordless backpack vacuum is also easier to maneuver around occupants, the nurses’ portable computers, and other medical equipment lining the walls. "The next day when we have to vacuum, there’s not as much to vacuum up. We're doing a more efficient job," said Belvedere. "The cleanliness keeps improving and improving. I estimate that we won’t have to wax the floors as often; they aren't getting as worn down." The GoFree Flex Pro was also applied to seven four-by-six-foot walk-off mats around the hospital. The mats took 25 to 30 minutes to vacuum with upright vacuums. The GoFree Flex Prowhittled that time down to 10 to 15 minutes and cleaned without presenting the tripping hazard of a cord in areas with 24-hour foot traffic. "Not only were the cleaners lugging around an upright to vacuum the mats, but they had to bring a warning sign. Then when someone walked by, they would have to stop and pull the cord aside," said Belvedere. "Eliminating the safety concern of a cord makes the job much faster and easier." Over at the nursing home, it took an hour and 15 minutes to clean with the old tools. With the cordless backpack vacuum, the hospital's cleaning staff can vacuum the same area 30 minutes faster. For Belvedere, removing more soil and dust helps to fulfill his mission by creating a healthier indoor environment. "Dust carries infection. It's our job to prevent the spread of infection," said Belvedere. "Dust is our enemy. If we can eliminate dust, we're winning the battle." The cleaners who use the cordless backpack vacuum have reported to Belvedere that it saves time in unexpected ways. For example, when they used the auto scrubber after sweeping and dust mopping, they would have to frequently stop to clean soil buildup off of the squeegee blade. After vacuuming with the GoFree Flex Pro, the floors are much cleaner, and soil no longer builds up on the blade, which considerably speeds up the scrubbing process. Overall the test of the GoFree Flex Pro in three areas, the hospital hallways and lobby, the hospital walk-off mats, and the nursing home, saved 90 minutes of cleaning time a day. Belvedere's staff can then apply that time to improving their service with detailing cleaning and project work, or they could reduce labor costs by a total of $4,380 annually assuming an eight-dollar hourly wage and year-round daily cleaning. "The GoFree Flex Pro is well worth the cost," said Belvedere. "There are so many things that we can use it for." GoFree Flex Pro Results: Doubles productivity for hospital lobby, hallways, and walk-off mats Nets labor savings of 90 minutes a day or $4,380 annually (assuming an $8/hour wage and year-round daily cleaning) Reduces dust bunnies and soil residue on floors Does not trigger decibel meters in the hospital hallways The GoFree Flex Pro is nominated for an ISSA Innovation Award. Vote at www.issa.com/vote.
This year, the World Health Organization will celebrate World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5 with the goal to highlight the importance of hand hygiene in health care globally. In correlation to this Saturday, Bradley Co. released new data from its annual Healthy Handwashing Survey™, which surveyed more than 1,000 American adults about their use of public restrooms. The survey found the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain—especially in terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. Today, the vast majority (80%) of Americans said they are now more conscious of encountering germs in restrooms because of COVID-19. Stores (55%), health care facilities (52%), and restaurants (40%) cause the most concern about encountering germs. “While there is a lingering sensitivity to germs that cause sickness, the majority of Americans appear to have raised their awareness of the importance of handwashing, and many have stepped up—and continued—their handwashing behavior,” said Jon Dommisse, Bradley vice president of business development and strategy. The survey found Americans are prioritizing handwashing in ways including: Practicing better hand hygiene—In 2009, at the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu virus, only 45% of Americans opted to increase their hand hygiene in response to seasonal virus increases. In contrast, in the spring of 2020, 90% of Americans washed their hands more diligently. Respondents washed their hands on average 10.5 times a day, compared to six times per day before COVID-19. This year, handwashing activity has leveled out at 74% of American adults who wash their hands more frequently (or more thoroughly) in response to seasonal virus outbreaks. Relying on handwashing to stay healthy—According to the survey, 95% of adults believe handwashing is essential to maintaining their overall health—a viewpoint that’s nearly universal across gender, age, and geography. In addition to the physical benefits, 72% said they feel healthier or safer immediately after washing their hands. Focusing on handwashing when traveling—During travel, 77% of Americans make a point to stop in public restrooms in airports or during road trips specifically to wash their hands. In fact, 67% make a point to wash more diligently before a trip to avoid sickness. Ramping up handwashing when out in public—Americans wash their hands 89% of the time after using a public restroom.The top reasons for not washing hands in a public bathroom are empty soap or paper towel dispensers or a nonworking or unclean sink. Americans also are critical of others who don’t uphold public standards for washing their hands. Observing someone who doesn’t wash up leaves a negative impression for 70% of respondents. Approximately 70% of total respondents also have seen others leave public restrooms without washing their hands, and men see this more frequently (79% men versus 59% women). More than half of Americans have a negative impression when they encounter someone with dirty or sticky hands. Favoring touchless fixtures in public restrooms—The majority (86%) of Americans think it’s important that restrooms have touchless fixtures, a preference that has remained high ever since the pandemic. Additionally, 70% said they are more likely to return to a business offering no-touch capabilities in its restrooms. The top touchless restroom features considered most important are faucets, flushers, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers.
A recent survey by GP PRO on public restroom behavior found more than 90% of respondents have observed others using their mobile phone while in a restroom. In conducting the study, GP PRO queried more than 500 U.S. adults on behaviors they’ve witnessed in the last six months in high-traffic restrooms, such as those in airports, stadiums, and movie theaters. One constant the survey found was the use of cell phones, with 84% of respondents witnessing voice calls in a public restroom, 27% observing video calls, and 19% seeing photos being taken. Well over one-third of respondents found it “disgusting” when others conduct a video call or take a picture in a public restroom. In addition to phone use, GP PRO’s survey also found a surprising amount of consumers enjoying food or beverages in the restroom. Thirty-eight percent of respondents have witnessed others actively eating and 48% actively drinking in a public restroom; and 15% and 18%, respectively, admit to these behaviors themselves. Nearly two-thirds of respondents rated such behavior as “disgusting.” “The debate used to be which way to hang your toilet paper, but times have certainly changed, and perhaps not in a way that would make grandma proud,” said Ronnie Phillips, Ph.D., GP PRO senior director of innovation. “All joking aside, as a leader in restroom hygiene and innovation, it’s important that GP PRO be aware of behaviors that might make the work of maintainers more challenging. While we can’t keep a cell phone from clogging a toilet or a sticky soda from falling to the floor, we can ensure our dispensing products are as durable and hassle-free as possible, so maintainers have time to address these consumer behavior-related issues and keep public restrooms clean and in working order.” Access the complete GP PRO survey here.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a chemical known to cause cancer as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm, and death. EPA’s action, also known as a risk management rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will end many uses of methylene chloride while allowing key uses to continue safely under a new worker protection program. Activists have been pushing for such regulations for decades, CNN reports, and it is one of several dangerous chemicals, including toxic “forever chemicals” the Biden-Harris Administration has banned or restricted this year. Methylene chloride is used by consumers for aerosol degreasing, paint stripping, and coating removal. In commercial applications the chemical is used in products such as adhesives and sealants. In industrial settings, methylene chloride is utilized for making other chemicals, such as refrigerant chemicals. “The United Steelworkers applauds EPA’s final rule banning certain uses of methylene chloride and lowering allowable workplace exposure levels,” said David McCall, United Steelworkers international president. “More than 100,000 workers die from occupational disease each year, including those sickened by harmful chemical exposures. Our union fought for the updated TSCA so that we could ensure that worker exposures to harmful substances like methylene chloride are appropriately assessed and regulated at harmful levels. Now, thanks to the current administration, workers are safer and better protected.” Since 1980, at least 88 people have died from acute exposure to methylene chloride, largely workers engaged in bathtub refinishing or other paint stripping, even, in some cases, while fully trained and equipped with personal protective equipment. While EPA banned one consumer use of methylene chloride in 2019, use of the chemical has remained widespread. “My son, Kevin, died in 2017 from methylene chloride exposure from refinishing a bathtub at work,” said Wendy Hartley, mother of Kevin Hartley, who died from methylene chloride poisoning. “I am pleased that the EPA is finally taking action and banning methylene chloride as a commercial bathtub stripper. This is a huge step that will protect vulnerable workers.” EPA’s final risk management rule rapidly requires companies to phase down manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses, including its use in home renovations. Consumer use will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses will be prohibited within two years. Uses that will continue under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program are highly industrialized and include: Use in the production of other chemicals, including refrigerant chemicals that are important in efforts to phase down climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons under the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. Production of battery separators for electric vehicles. Use as a processing aid in a closed system. Use as a laboratory chemical. Use in plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production. Use in solvent welding.
Seasonal influenza activity continues to decline nationally and in most areas of the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). For the week ending April 20, medical visits for the respiratory illness sank below the threshold for an active flu season for the third consecutive week, except for New England which still is experiencing modest flu impact. Since January, the overall number of weekly flu hospitalizations has declined. CDC estimates that at least 34 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths from flu have occurred so far this season, which began in October. While the flu season was long, CDC said the period was moderate due to the fact that most illnesses were attributed to a milder flu strain that was well matched for vaccines. Vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough to seek medical attention, according to preliminary data. COVID-19 and RSV illnesses also have peaked simultaneously as flu. CDC data also shows hospitalization rates are similar between the flu and COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC data shows that COVID-19 hospitalizations did not reach the same numbers they did during the last three winters. Still, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues.