Common Workplace Injuries in Cleaning—and How to Prevent Them
Meet the Team: Erika Matus E
Erika brings more than just energy and skill to her work at The Cleaning Coop (TCC), she brings a passion for movement, well-being, and lifelong learning.
Erika’s “Moving” Story
Originally from Chile, Erika has spent years helping others to move and feel better in their bodies. Trained as a physical education teacher, she previously worked with a program designed to help employees improve their posture at work and avoid workplace injuries. Erika taught office workers stretching exercises for the lower back, hands, and shoulders to encourage healthy postures.
Outside of work, Erika is an avid climber. “My greatest passion is climbing. It gives me a profound sense of freedom, presence, and confidence. When I climb, I feel fully connected to the moment and to myself.”
How Erika’s Experience Makes a Difference to TCC
At TCC, we’ve always placed a high priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of our team. Erika’s expertise in physical therapy and movement education has helped guide our work practices. Whether it’s how to properly lift a vacuum or how to take a break that actually supports your body, Erika generously shares practical advice with her coworkers, encouraging safe practices during physically demanding tasks.
Common Risks and Injuries in Cleaning Work
Cleaning work often involves physical effort and repetitive movements, which can lead to common injuries if not done carefully.
Here's a closer look at the risks, what causes them, and how to stay safe on the job:
Lower Back Strain: Lifting heavy items like garbage bags or cleaning equipment, bending at the waist, or working in awkward positions can put stress on your lower back. Over time, this can lead to pain, stiffness, or even long-term injury.
Shoulder and Arm Pain: Reaching overhead to clean windows or using tools like mops and vacuums for long periods can strain the shoulders and arms, especially when the movement is repetitive.
Wrist and Hand Injuries: Repetitive scrubbing or twisting motions, especially with poor wrist alignment, can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands.
Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis): This condition is caused by repetitive strain on the forearm and wrist, leading to pain when lifting, gripping, or rotating the wrist.
Erika’s Injury Prevention Tips:
Lift with Your Legs, Not Your Back: When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Hold the item close to your body and avoid twisting while carrying it.
Use the Right Tools for the Job: Choose brooms, mops, or window wipers with handles that reach between your chest and hips. Telescopic handles are ideal for adjusting to your height and reducing strain.
Watch Your Posture: Keep your spine neutral and avoid overreaching or bending awkwardly. When possible, move your whole body rather than twisting your trunk.
Take Regular Breaks and Stretch: Every hour or two, take a short break to stretch your shoulders, hands, and back. Changing positions and alternating tasks can also reduce muscle fatigue.
Support Your Movements: When cleaning windows or high surfaces, keep your elbows close to your body and switch hands regularly. If you need to reach higher, use a stable ladder or extendable tool rather than overextending your arms.
By staying mindful of posture and movement, and making small adjustments throughout the day, cleaning tasks can be done more safely and comfortably—helping to protect your body now and in the long run.
Looking Ahead: Erika’s Vision for the Future
Erika doesn’t just see movement as a job-related necessity, she sees it as a lifelong tool for health and joy. One day she hopes to lead a variety of movement-focused projects that make physical well-being accessible to all. Whether it’s climbing programs for kids, movement workshops for seniors, or workplace wellness sessions like those she led in Chile, Erika wants to keep championing the emotional and physical benefits of movement.
Her dream? To keep growing, keep learning, and empower more people to move through life with strength, ease, and joy
