While restrooms should not be a hazardous place, there are several things you should check for:
1. Is this a high traffic area? We have heard of head injuries from employees coming out of the restroom quickly, only to run into someone or something. Opening doors quickly, without verifying that there is no one on the other side, can pose a hazard to someone on either side of the restroom door.
2. Where are the paper towels or hand dryers in relation to the sink? If you have to walk across the room to dry your hands, you will likely drip water on your way. Placing the towels or dryers right next to the sink will reduce the chances or slips and falls on wet floors.
3. Do you have a sanitizer or room freshener that sprays periodically? If so, check the height of the deodorizer. You do not want it spraying someone in the face or eyes. If people don’t expect it, it can be startling, so place it in a spot that is less likely to surprise people.
4. Some restrooms have power dryers now that use very strong blasts of air to dry hands quickly. The problem is that they are very loud. That won’t matter to an employee who is in and out quickly, but if you have janitorial or custodial staff who clean restrooms when people are using them, you may need to provide hearing protection.
If you have questions on this or other safety issues, please contact CHESS at 651-481-9787.