Author: Liz Rouech

CHALLENGE

Germantown School District in Wisconsin is comprised of four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school as well as Germantown Virtual School for students grades 6-12 living in the state of Wisconsin. More than 3,700 students are enrolled at the district, which has a goal to “Empower and Inspire Every Student to Success.”

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased cleaning and disinfecting and the use of new equipment like electrostatic sprayers to address SARS-CoV-2. However, many conventional cleaning chemicals contain ingredients that can create unsafe conditions for cleaning professionals, students, staff and visitors. Germantown School District began looking for a better way to clean that would adequately protect against pathogens of concern while also prioritizing occupant safety and environmental sustainability.

SOLUTION

Germantown School District selected GSF USA, a global cleaning services company, to oversee its cleaning program. GSF’s Green Seal®-certified Écologique cleaning program swaps traditional and potentially caustic cleaning chemicals with safer electrochemically-activated solutions (ECAS) from PathoSans®. ECAS are made with an on-site generation system using salt, water and electricity.

PathoClean® is a cleaner/degreaser and PathoCide® is a sanitizer/disinfectant. GSF USA operates two generators and 15 satellite units across the district’s buildings. Employees fill spray bottles with the cleaner and disinfectant. Staff can also safely use the disinfectant with equipment like electrostatic sprayers to quickly disinfect classrooms, hallways and bathrooms.

“Switching from multiple cleaning chemicals to two easy-to-use solutions from PathoSans greatly streamlines the cleaning and disinfecting process,” said Mark Streitmatter, Branch Manager, GSF USA. “The two solutions take care of the majority of the cleaning needs of the district and do not create safety risks because they are made with three simple ingredients.”

RESULTS

With the help of GSF USA and PathoSans, Germantown School District can be confident in:

Cleaning performance. The PathoClean cleaner has reduced the buildup of detergent residue on surfaces throughout the school that are common when using traditional cleaning chemicals. Meanwhile, the fast kill time of the PathoCide disinfectant helps GSF’s employees quickly yet effectively disinfect surfaces. The two products enable GSF to clean for health and appearance, making Germantown School District inviting and safe.

Good indoor air quality. Many cleaning chemicals release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and cause eye and lung irritation. The district previously had to have a separate disinfectant that was compatible with electrostatic sprayers, since the droplet size can impact health and safety. Now, the school has two solutions that are compatible with all surfaces and equipment, do not contain added fragrances or other caustic ingredients and do not emit VOCs. This supports better indoor air quality (IAQ).

Stable chemical supply. The PathoSans solutions are produced in house and on demand with easy-to-source ingredients. This means GSF will always have readily available supply of cleaner and disinfectant, eliminating any disruptions in the cleaning process.

Its commitment to sustainability. Because the PathoSans solutions are made up of water, salt and electricity, they are not harmful to the environment. Additionally, eradicating the shipment of cleaning chemicals to the district’s buildings eliminates the greenhouse gases associated with the transportation of these supplies.

“We’ve been impressed with the never-ending supply of cleaner and disinfectant that the PathoSans generators provide,” added Streitmatter. “The system makes inventory management much easier, as we just need to ensure that we have salt at the ready to continue producing the electrochemically-activated solutions.”

New hires are always an exciting addition to a facility. While most employees usually come with skill sets and prior knowledge of their own, it’s still important to help them learn the ropes and set them up for success. Every facility runs differently, making the first few weeks a critical time to assist new employees and familiarize them with what expectations they need to meet. This provides them with support as they transition into a new job and ensures that as a facility manager, you clearly state the cleanliness standards. Here are three tips for successfully onboarding new cleaning professionals.

Familiarize with Cleaning Procedures

Every facility has its own cleaning procedures and protocols that they follow. Even if your new employee has previously cleaned professionally, it’s still important to share with them how often the facility needs to be cleaned and the specific cleaning procedures for your company. If your facility is smaller, there may be tasks that only need to be done weekly or monthly. On the contrary, there may be tasks, such as taking out the garbage or mopping floors, that need to be done daily. It’s also helpful to share with your new employees the specific cleaning methods that the facility follows. For example, if you have a morning maintenance crew that is designated to restock the restrooms while the night-time maintenance crew is designated to clean the restrooms, that should be relayed to new employees to keep a steady routine in place.

Learn the Facility

Take time to help your new employees get comfortable with the facility. Especially if it’s a large facility, it will be useful for them to know where supply closets are, how many restrooms there are, the best times to clean certain rooms and which parts of the building they will need to focus on cleaning. Providing them with a map of the facility or a cleaning route can help familiarize them with the layout. It may also be helpful to have new employees shadow employees who have more experience. With any new job, it takes time to learn the ins and outs of the building, as well as where things are. However, it’s important for cleaning professionals to know the layout of the facility to ensure that they aren’t accidentally skipping over critical areas.

Equipment Training

Facilities use different cleaning equipment and products depending on the type of flooring they have, what tools are appropriate for the building and the types of chemicals that can be used. Make sure your new employees know where to find the equipment they may need to clean, how to maintain that equipment and how each piece of equipment should be used. Misuse of cleaning equipment or mixing the wrong chemicals together can lead to facility damage that becomes costly to repair. Providing all your employees with proper training in equipment usage can help to avoid injuries, damage and ensure that a proper job is done each time.

Providing Initial Support

Taking time to help successfully onboard new employees helps them feel welcomed and more confident in their role and  allows facility managers to set expectations from the beginning. When employees are provided with a strong support system, it reflects in the work they do and leaves a lasting impression on customers.

Our people are our superpower at GSF USA. Day in and day out, they show up to keep our customers’ buildings looking their best. Our teams are committed to learning the latest techniques for cleaning for health and working alongside innovative equipment to make cleaning more efficient and consistent.

We are proud to have a team made up of both seasoned professionals and those new to the industry who are dedicated to making a difference. Each quarter, we celebrate those who have reached key anniversaries with GSF.

Thank you, and congratulations to the employees below who are contributing to GSF’s mission, celebrating milestone anniversaries in Q3 and Q4 of 2022!

25^th Anniversaries

Alberto J., GSF Indiana

20^th Anniversaries

Uriel C., GSF Illinois

Elvis O. GSF Illinois

Renee P., GSF Ohio

15^th Anniversaries

Ofelia A., GSF Indiana

Troy B., GSF USA President

Maria B., GSF Indiana

Miguel F., GSF Indiana

Odilia F., GSF Indiana

Fidel M., GSF Indiana

Jesus R., GSF Indiana

10^th Anniversaries

Carlos A., GSF Indiana

Lorena C., GSF Indiana

Marcos G., GSF Indiana

Sergio G., GSF Indiana

Kurt K., GSF Illinois

Gabriel L., GSF Indiana

Tyrone M., GSF Indiana

Macario R., GSF Indiana

A new year comes with new hopes and goals. For businesses, this means thinking of ways to find new opportunities for growth and improvement in the workplace. In recent years, working toward more sustainable and greener practices is one that numerous businesses have felt is an important step to take in improving not only their work environment but also their business and relationships with customers. Recent studies have found that consumers look for businesses that take responsibility for environmental practices. Start 2023 green with these tips on implementing sustainability in the new year:

Part Ways With Plastic

Around 380 million metric tons of plastic are produced yearly, which accounts for over 27 million tons in landfills. Reducing the amount of single-use plastic being used in the workplace is a small but significant way to practice sustainability. You can start by providing a water cooler or company-affiliated water bottles to reduce the number of employees bringing in plastic water bottles. If you are a retail store, opt out of using plastic shopping bags and instead use paper bags and encourage customers to bring their own bags. Many stores have started charging shoppers who request plastic bags. Another way to reduce single-use plastic is by working with suppliers who use less plastic when distributing materials to your facility.  Partner with companies that make sustainably conscious decisions like PathoSans and GSF USA, who are mindful of reducing plastic usage when cleaning facilities by utilizing refillable bottles for cleaning.

Clean with Green

Most conventional cleaning products are made from toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is not only better for the environment but also for your business. Using sustainable cleaning products can save money, as many sustainable cleaning products are made to last longer and work more effectively than conventional cleaning products. Although the products may be more expensive up-front, in the long run, you will save more money. Sustainable cleaning products are a much healthier alternative to eliminate dust, allergens and germs. It can also improve air quality, being a safer solution for employees and guests. Investing in a sustainable cleaning program is another time and cost-saving solution as you can prioritize your work while cleaning professionals focus on creating a healthy and clean environment using sustainable practices.

Encourage Change

Discuss with your employees that the health and safety of themselves, as well as customers, is a top priority in the workplace. This starts with creating sustainable practices that benefit not just the people in it, but also the environment. Encourage employees to increase recycling. Implementing incentives for employees who go above and beyond to practice sustainability in the workplace is a fun and creative way to get everyone involved. Encourage going paperless to reduce the amount of waste in the office by implementing e-notifications and updates. The usage of hybrid work settings was originally put in place during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but is still being used today. In fact, 74% of businesses are planning to remain hybrid moving forward. Hybrid work settings have been found to be an environmentally friendly solution to five-day work weeks by reducing daily transportation to and from the office.

 

Implementing sustainability in the workplace has become a social responsibility for companies. As consumers pay more attention to brands and businesses that acknowledge the importance of working toward a greener future and act by making company changes, it is now more important than ever for businesses to take action in doing so. Small changes can lead to a big impact. By working together to make environmentally conscious changes today we can see a better and healthier tomorrow.

When it comes to running a successful business, keeping your facility up to date with cleanliness and safety standards should be a critical priority for the wellness of your employees and guests. This includes having regular cleaning protocols, product and equipment restocking, and services that help maintain your facility. However, keeping a facility exceptionally clean and maintained can quickly add up in cost, inventory space and time. Here are some ways to keep your facility clean while reducing resource consumption.

Tips on Reducing Resource Consumption

Hiring a team of cleaning and maintenance professionals to clean can be a great solution to ensure your facility is regularly maintained while being cost-effective and saving inventory space. On average, businesses spend between $63 to $200 on cleaning supplies each month. While for some companies, that may not seem too significant of a difference, over time, that adds up to a large sum of money that could be used to benefit your business in other ways. Hiring a cleaning service that brings its cleaning supplies and equipment can also save inventory space that would otherwise be taken up by needing to restock cleaning and maintenance items regularly. Many cleaning services can set up customized schedules depending on how often you need your facility cleaned, relieving the stress of ensuring your facility is up to date with its cleaning procedures.

If you prefer to have facility cleaners from your company internally, make sure you invest in high-quality, sustainable cleaning products and equipment. Often, companies will opt to purchase cheaper cleaning supplies to save money. However, when surveyed, approximately 40% of respondents stated that they spent between 21-40% of their operating budget on cleaning /maintenance equipment and supplies. When you purchase low-quality materials from your facility, the results show. Over time, the breakdown and wear of cleaning equipment and the surfaces they’re being used on build up, which means you spend more money on replacing equipment, flooring, surfaces and other facility essentials.

Go green! When surveyed, more than half (58%) feel their office is ‘shamefully eco-unfriendly,’ with one-third (34%) believing the introduction of eco-friendly practices within their workplace is usually an afterthought. Not only does a higher rate of resource consumption cost a company more money, but it also reflects poorly on the conscious efforts to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly workplace. Investing in eco-friendly and sustainable products benefits your workplace and reduces consumption waste that negatively impacts the environment.

Benefits of Reducing Resource Consumption

One of the most significant benefits of reducing resource consumption is building a more substantial company reputation and gaining business. When surveyed, a majority (77%) of Americans prefer to purchase from brands that prioritize efforts to fight global warming. Making conscious efforts to reduce waste at work, providing a facility that runs on sustainable practices and investing in business practices that benefit the environment, helps reflect to consumers that, as a business, you care more about creating healthier and greener solutions than choosing unsustainable practices in order to benefit financially.

Another substantial benefit is creating a healthier work environment for employees. In fact, a Harvard Business Report found a strong correlation between the physical workplace environment and employee performance. When employees don’t have the added stress of needing to ensure their facility is being properly maintained and cleaned, this allows them to focus more on getting productive work done. It also encourages workplace morale, as employees are more likely to come into the office when they feel good about the environment they work in as opposed to working from home. This allows employees to build stronger relationships and make substantial use of the facility.

Aside from the benefits that reducing resource consumption provides for your facility, employees and occupants, it also greatly benefits the environment! A study found that billions of liters of chemicals and supplies are used for cleaning purposes each year. The results of this are that between 80,000 and 140,000 chemical contaminants from cleaning products can be found in our wastewater. Investing in high-quality green products and services that use gentler and more sustainable results leaves fewer toxins and pollutants in the air and plastic waste in our landfills. When you consider the future of your business, keep in mind that the future of the economy and environment plays a significant role.

Reducing resource consumption can be achieved in various ways. However, the results all show the same positive outcomes. Being mindful of the state of your facility, the health and safety of your employees and guests, as well as the future of our environment speaks volumes of a company’s priorities. Help the long-term future of your business thrive by choosing high-quality and sustainable options when it comes to resource consumption.

 

As most businesses and schools return to an in-person setting, it’s now more important than ever to ensure that workplaces exceed cleanliness and sanitation standards. Most facilities have custodial teams or management who keep up with a consistent cleaning routine. However, there are still many areas in shared public spaces that get overlooked or forgotten about during a maintenance routine. This leads to a build-up of germs and bacteria that over time can lead to more significant health risks, structural damage to the building, or an increase in infection and disease transmission. Learning how to properly clean and disinfect shared spaces such as offices or classrooms can help improve the overall safety of your employee’s and guest’s health, create a welcoming environment for occupants, and keep buildings in excellent condition.

The Most Overlooked Areas for Cleaning in Offices

The most common places that get skipped over while cleaning is under office chairs, office furniture, vents and ducts, office computers, telephone, lights, curtains, and microwaves.

There are various factors that determine how frequently an office should be disinfected and cleaned. This includes office size, employee size, and how often occupants are inside the building. The types of companies you share the facility with will also make a difference. For instance, if one of those other businesses is a doctor’s office or a similar medical facility, you will need to schedule deeper daily cleanings for that space to keep patients healthy. The same holds for any facilities that have children, such as schools or tutoring areas. Children quickly spread germs among themselves and keeping the areas where they learn and play clean can help prevent outbreaks.

62% of employees say simply seeing sanitation professionals regularly at their workplace would make them feel safer.

Strategies to Implement a More Thorough Cleaning Routine in the Office

Know the difference between disinfecting and cleaning, and how often each one should be done. Often, the terms are used interchangeably. However, each term serves a different purpose and impacts the cleanliness of your facility. This previous blog from our team at GSF USA breaks down the differences between disinfecting vs cleaning and how both should be properly done in the workplace.

Hire a professional cleaning service that can sanitize an office space using the right equipment and procedures. Our carefully developed Écologique cleaning program is certified by GREEN SEAL® and offers the highest standard of cleaning while also considering the environmental impact at every step of the cleaning process.

Have the right cleaning and sanitation tools easily accessible to ensure that quality cleaning is being done on a regular basis.

What Does a Proper Cleaning Routine Look Like in The Office?

Consistency is a significant factor when it comes to your facility’s cleaning routine. Skipping out on everyday maintenance such as wiping down commonly touched surfaces and spaces will lead to a buildup of unwanted germs and bacteria. While certain tasks like floor and window cleaning can be done less frequently, by establishing a routine that is consistently followed you can help reduce the spread of illness in the office, as well as maintain a nice-looking appearance to guests.

To save time and ensure your facility is being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, hiring an outside source to come and get the job done can be a practical solution. Cleaning and maintenance professionals are experienced in knowing what tools and products to use, how to use them, and what areas are often missed while cleaning facilities. Services like our team at GSF USA are dedicated to creating a clean and safe environment for occupants to work in.

Know when to increase your cleaning and disinfecting. During cold and flu season, up to 74% of employees in the U.S. miss work due to being sick. Keeping the workplace regularly clean and disinfected, as well as communicating to employees to practice hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and keeping their workspaces clean can also make a significant impact on reducing illness and missed days of work.

We Care About Clean

At GSF USA, we understand that having a clean and safe environment is a crucial part of running a successful facility. That is why we offer a variety of services and products that ensure quality cleaning in your facility. The safety and health of your occupants should always come first, and that starts with a clean workplace. To learn more about our services or to get in touch with a GSF USA employee please go to our website.

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate all our hardworking employees who have recently celebrated a decade or more of caring about clean! At GSF USA, we are dedicated to helping individuals build meaningful careers in the cleaning industry.  

We strive to hire and retain the best talent, equipping our people with high-quality equipment, training and leadership development. 

Congratulations to all and thank you for your continued efforts to help GSF USA grow and differentiate itself as a leading building service contractor. We could not have gotten to where we are today without your hard work! 

45th Anniversaries 

Marvel E., GSF Indiana
Keith I., GSF Indiana 

20th Anniversaries 

Joseph G., GSF Ohio 

15th Anniversaries  

Eva M., SGF Indiana
Ruben R., GSF Indiana
Gerardo R., GSF Indiana
Marianna R., GSF Illinois 

10th Anniversaries 

Eva M., GSF Indiana  

As students prepare to return to campus and faculty finalize fall semester planning, analyzing the success of your current cleaning program and ensuring that it meets the standards of keeping campus healthy and safe is vital.  

Starting off with a good impression is important, and that starts with welcoming people into a clean environment the second they step onto campus. Reviewing your current cleaning program, searching for areas of improvement, and understanding what makes a quality cleaning program will set you up for long-term success. 

Adjusting Back to In-Person Learning 

As many universities return to in-person or hybrid class settings, it is crucial that campus facility employees ensure cleanliness and sanitation levels exceed expectations. Between students, professors, faculty and staff, there will be a significant increase in occupants taking up shared spaces, leading to an easier spread of everyday infections, illnesses, and germs. This JLL study explains how campus cleanliness is now playing a large factor in parents deciding which university they feel comfortable sending their child to.  In fact, 48% of parents feel it is a top-three consideration when looking at potential schools. When it comes to classrooms, dormitories, cafeterias and study spaces, families want transparency into how often these places are being cleaned and assurance that routine maintenance checks are being conducted.  

Be Proactive  

Taking measurable preventions prior to the school year beginning is an effective way to prepare for a clean and safe start to the school year. Summer break is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the lower population around campus to deep clean spaces, check on maintenance issues, restock supplies and reset for the next school year.  

Preventing the spread of illness and infection is an important aspect of any workplace, and while it’s important to keep students safe, it’s just as important for educators as well. This article from Insights For Professionals discusses how a work environment and cleanliness can affect employee performance. While the article is geared toward corporate offices, the same topics covered can equally affect educators. A school that is not clean can create a negative impression for campus visitors, impact the mindset of students and staff, and negatively impact health and wellness.  

An Eco-Friendly Solution  

GSF USA’s Écologique Cleaning Program trains GSF employees on how to clean a facility sustainably, and effectively. Professionals are taught how to reduce waste by using sustainable and safe cleaning chemicals and tools that properly disinfect bacteria and fungi that often linger around facilities and contribute to virus outbreaks. They are also taught how to keep indoor air quality (IAQ) high, as poor air quality can affect people with allergies or asthma.  As a Green Seal®-certified program, schools and universities can rest assured that facilities have been cleaned properly, and sustainably.   

As bacteria and viruses evolve, so should your campus’s cleaning procedures. GSF USA is dedicated to helping facilities look their best with sustainable and long-term cleaning practices. Put your faculty and students at ease by welcoming them back to a clean campus that prevents the spread of everyday illnesses, infections and germs. 

Slips and falls are some of the most common causes of injuries in the workplace. To add insult to injury, slip and fall accidents can be deadly. They claim thousands of lives per year. Approximately 30% of all slip and fall accidents result in moderate to serious injuries. These can range from fractures to brain damage or even death. These occurrences have led to 19,000 deaths per year because of falling.

It’s important that janitorial teams and facility managers apply best cleaning practices to help prevent slip and fall accidents.

Slip and Fall Injuries

There is a responsibility in the workplace to encourage a safe working environment for employees and patrons. When organizations fail to do so, it results in costly workplace injuries and sometimes fatalities. Workplace injuries, also known as occupational injuries, are a type of injury that occurs in correlation to their occupational requirements. For janitorial services, it’s imperative to understand workplace injuries so that they know what to look out for. For employees, it’s important to know what to do if a workplace injury occurs.

Injuries sustained during a slip and fall accident vary widely but can include soft tissue injuries, bone or joint injuries and injuries to the head or spine. It’s possible that in some of these instances the injuries are able to heal and fully recover in a matter of days. However, some may require elongated periods of rehabilitation, surgeries or permanent medical accommodation.

In a 2019 report, some of the most common non-fatal workplace injuries in America included sprains and tears, accounting for approximately 35 injuries per 10,000 full-time employees; soreness and muscle pain, accounting for nearly 18 injuries per 10,000 full-time employees; and cuts and lacerations, accounting for roughly nine injuries per 10,000 full-time employees, among others.

While they may be less common, fatal injuries occur. In recent years, the number of fatal workplace incidents has continued to rise. Some of the most common causes of deadly workplace accidents include slips and falls, which accounted for approximately 900 deaths in 2019.

Implementing a Coordinated Cleaning Program

When facility managers establish a cleaning program, they’re ensuring floors are being cleaned regularly and in a safe way. The program should set a standard for cleaning schedules and contain various elements including consideration of peak hours, traffic patterns and weather conditions. It should also consider the drying time for the area being cleaned. Appropriate barricades should be put in place to redirect traffic during cleaning. Furthermore, all cleanings should be documented and regularly maintained in inspection logs. A series of written floor-cleaning procedures should be put in place and updated per any changes, such as when a new floor surface is laid, when new cleaning products are used and if the work environment has changed. Additionally, it’s important to evaluate the written procedures from time to time to make sure they are being followed and are effective.

Training Your Janitorial Team

One of the most critical aspects to your cleaning program’s success is training employees on cleaning policies and procedures. Your employees should be aware of all housekeeping procedures, including specific procedures for high-hazard areas. As part of this standard, all areas should be checked to ensure proper drainage is in place. It’s crucial to clean all areas thoroughly without taking any shortcuts. When cleaning up spills or mopping, proper signage like wet floor signs should be used in order to caution staff, occupants and visitors. In addition, any wet carpet areas should be marked, as these areas are easily overlooked but dangerous when walked over.

Choosing Cleaning Products

Prior to use, it’s good practice to test all products on a small section of the floor. This helps ensure that they are suitable for the floor surface. Several floor cleaning product suppliers or manufacturers will offer technical support when selecting the appropriate products for specific types of floors and requirements. To ensure quality, test your cleaning products prior to purchase. This will save you time and money by avoiding expensive products that don’t work up to par. Don’t ignore the manufacturer’s instructions on safety and application. Additionally, make sure to provide training for using, mixing and applying products such as chemicals, including equipment maintenance.

Paving a Path to Avoid Slips and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common in the workplace, and many of these accidents result in serious injury. As part of your workplace ethics, promoting a safe working environment is imperative. Not only are slip and fall accidents detrimental to your employees, but recovery time also affects your bottom line. That’s why safety should be implemented in your cleaning program, and the products used should be tested to ensure quality. Clean floors pave the way to safe floors.