Safety in professional laundries is a critical issue that must be carefully managed to ensure the health and well-being of workers, whether it’s an industrial, commercial, or self-service laundry. To better understand how to improve working conditions in these environments, we interviewed laundry consultant Roser Zapata. Throughout the conversation, we explored common mistakes, best practices for minimising risks, and technological innovations that are making laundries safer.
A common mistake: underestimating the risks of repetitive operations
Although industrial washers and dryers are generally very safe machines, a common mistake in laundries is the tendency to underestimate the risks involved. According to our expert, "the fact that we work with machines considered to be safe can lead to a false sense of security, and not all areas in a laundry have the same level of risk."
One frequent problem is related to repetitive tasks, such as loading and unloading washing machines. These activities, if not properly defined and structured, can become one of the main causes of workplace injuries. The consultant emphasises that "proper training and a well-defined working procedure for each task can reduce these incidents."
Efficiency and training: safety from day one
Handling heavy equipment, such as industrial washers and dryers, is not just about speed: it’s about efficiency and minimising physical strain. "It's not just about loading quickly but doing it with the least amount of effort possible," the expert explains. For this, appropriate training is crucial, as well as using modern machinery that includes ergonomic features like assisted loading and unloading systems or drum openings at comfortable working heights.
A crucial part of safety in laundries is employee training. The expert’s approach emphasises "working consciously." In other words, from day one, operators need to learn to reflect on how to perform each task in a way that prioritises safety and health. "Speed will come with practice, but awareness of correct movements is fundamental to avoid injuries," she states.
Ergonomics: a major concern in laundry operations
When we think about ergonomics in a laundry environment, one of the biggest concerns is the handling of heavy loads during the loading and unloading of washers and dryers. According to the consultant, this is a significant concern for managers, but often overlooked are the tasks related to ironing systems, which present frequent safety challenges.
“Most incidents occur in the ironing systems,” says the expert. The repetitive rotational movements required by operators every few seconds to feed sheets into the ironing machine can become problematic. A wet sheet can weigh up to 1.5 kg, and operators need to twist 90 degrees to pick it up from a cart, often bending down to reach it. These repetitive motions can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if proper ergonomic practices are not followed.
Preventive maintenance: a safety essential
The consultant also emphasised the importance of a preventive maintenance plan for machinery. "A preventive maintenance plan is critical," she says, "not only for keeping the machines fully operational but also for identifying safety issues before they become a problem for workers." By addressing potential risks before they escalate, laundries can create a safer working environment and minimise downtime due to equipment failure.
Innovations in laundry safety
New technologies are playing an important role in improving safety in industrial laundries. One of the highest-risk points is the beginning of the textile cleaning process, where laundry must be sorted by type, degree of soiling, and other factors. This phase presents a significant biological risk, not only in hospital laundries but also in other settings, and it is often underestimated.
To address this, at Girbau we have developed systems to automate the sorting of soiled laundry, like Sortech. These automated sorting systems minimise biological risk and reduce physical strain for staff handling dirty laundry. Such innovations represent significant progress in making laundry operations safer and more efficient.
Ensuring safety in industrial laundry environments requires a combination of proper employee training, ergonomic equipment, preventive maintenance, and the integration of new technologies. By addressing common mistakes, such as underestimating risks and neglecting proper procedures for repetitive tasks, and by embracing modern solutions like automated sorting systems, laundries can significantly reduce workplace risks.
Ultimately, a safe laundry is an efficient laundry. With proper processes in place, workers can carry out their tasks more effectively, with less risk of injury, and companies can ensure a healthier working environment for all.