Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Ergonomic Resilience: Sustaining Your Physical Health and Longevity in Custodial Work

7 May 2026 · 2 min

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2:08

In this instructional segment, the trainer addresses custodial employees about the physical demands of cleaning work and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, especially back pain. He identifies common hazardous movements—such as the “cleaner’s twist” where workers rotate their spine while keeping feet planted, and the “deep dive” where they bend at the waist with straight legs—and explains why these actions damage spinal discs. He then provides concrete ergonomic alternatives: move the feet and face the work area instead of twisting, squat by bending the knees to keep the back straight, keep loads close to the body to control the center of mass, balance weight evenly, and use leg power for lifting. For heavy items, he advises using carts, dragging carefully, or asking for assistance rather than attempting to lift alone. The overall message emphasizes that most back injuries are preventable through proper body mechanics, and that avoiding them is essential for long‑term health and avoiding costly workers’ compensation claims.

Chapters

Right then, let's talk about the tool you use most. Not the mop, not the buffer— your body. Cleaning's an athletic event. You're lifting, twisting, reaching, and pushing for 8 or more hours a day. Musculoskeletal disorders—that's the fancy medical term for "my back is killing me"—are the most common injury in this industry. But most of them can be prevented if you change how you move. First, there's the dreaded cleaner's twist to avoid. Think about mopping or vacuuming. Most people plant their feet and they twist their back to reach side to side. Stop doing that. Move your feet. Face your work. When you twist your spine while holding a load, even a light mop handle, you're grinding the discs in your spine. Dance with the mop. Step side to side. Second trap: the deep dive. When you're emptying a low trash can or cleaning a toilet, don't bend over at the waist with straight legs. That puts hundreds of pounds of pressure on your lower back. Trust me, it's basic physics. Instead, you need a bend at the knees. Use your legs to lower yourself, keeping your back straight. And for the heavy stuff— buckets of water and big trash bags— focus on the power zone. You keep the load close to your body. Carry loads in a way that balances the weight to either side of you if possible. It's all about controlling your center of mass. The further away you hold a heavy object, the worse it becomes for your spine. So hug the load. Lift with your legs, not your back. If a trash bag's too heavy, guess what? You don't have to be a hero. Drag it along carefully. Use a cart or just ask for help. Workers' comp doesn't pay enough to make a lifetime of back pain worth it.