International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association Press Releases

DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE & INSTRUCTIONS HERE

IJCSA Alert - Cleaning instructions to the current global resurgence of measles.

IJCSA - — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:04:49 GMT

IJCSA response and cleaning instructions to the current global resurgence of measles, disinfecting public spaces—including schools, offices, public spaces, retail facilities—is a critical component of containing outbreaks. Because the measles virus is airborne and highly resilient, effective decontamination requires a combination of specialized chemicals and strict timing protocols.

1. The Two-Hour Air Clearance Rule

The most critical factor in disinfecting a space after a suspected exposure is the airborne nature of the virus. Measles can remain suspended and infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.

Protocol: Vacate the contaminated room or area for at least two hours before beginning manual cleaning.
Ventilation: If possible, keep windows open or use portable HEPA filtration systems to accelerate the removal of airborne particles during this time.

2. Selecting the Correct Disinfectants

While the EPA does not have a standalone "List M" for measles, it recommends using products from List S, which are registered to kill bloodborne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B. These products are considered effective against measles because it is an "enveloped" virus, making it susceptible to these specific chemical formulations.

Recommended Product	Type	Key Features
Vital Oxide	Spray/Fogger	EPA-approved specifically for measles; non-corrosive and safe around food.
Simple Green d Pro 5	Concentrate	Hospital-grade; highly effective for high-traffic common areas.
Lysol / Clorox Wipes	Wipes/Spray	Accessible options for daily high-touch surface disinfection.
Bleach Solution	Manual Mix	A mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water is effective for hard surfaces.

3. Strategic Cleaning Protocol

Effective disinfection in public spaces must target "high-touch" surfaces and follow a "clean-to-dirty" workflow.

Pre-Cleaning: Always wash surfaces with soap and water before applying disinfectant. Dirt and organic material can shield the virus from chemical treatment.
Contact Time: Disinfectants are not instant. The surface must remain visibly wet for the full duration specified on the product label (often 1–10 minutes) to ensure the virus is destroyed.
High-Touch Targets: Focus on doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, shopping carts, sink handles, and keyboards.

4. Safety and PPE for Cleaning Staff

Personnel tasked with cleaning contaminated areas should be immune to measles (evidenced by two MMR doses or laboratory confirmation).

Protective Gear: Wear disposable gloves, a well-fitting respirator (such as an N95), and eye protection.
Disposal: Treat cleaning cloths and used PPE as regulated medical waste or seal them in plastic bags for immediate disposal.

By strictly adhering to the two-hour clearance window and using EPA List S-registered products, facility managers can significantly reduce the risk of secondary infections within a public building.

- *Measles Cases Confirmed in Nearly Half the US*: With 933 cases reported in South Carolina, the outbreak is the largest this year. This highlights the importance of proper cleaning and disinfection protocols in public spaces.

2026 Outbreak Status 2/13/26

United States: Significant outbreaks are active in states including South Carolina, California, Wisconsin, and Florida (where a university outbreak recently reached nearly 60 cases).
Global: Mexico is reportedly on the brink of losing its "measles-free" status after cases surpassed 9,000 across all 32 states. Several European countries, including the UK and Spain, recently lost their elimination status due to surging cases.

As of mid-February 2026, the world is facing a profound resurgence of measles, with major outbreaks threatening the "measles-free" status of several nations. Despite a decline in some regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF warn that global immunity remains dangerously low due to pandemic-era vaccination gaps and rising vaccine hesitancy.

$1 million dollars of "Wonderbots"

IJCSA - — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:23:30 GMT

A $1 million fleet of robots is Spokane Public School custodians’ latest tool for squeaky clean floors

A mutation of influenza A H3N2, called subclade K, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases, including in the U.S.

The World Health Organization stated on its website that the K variant marks "a notable evolution in influenza A (H3N2) viruses," which some say calls into question the effectiveness of this season's vacine against the strain.

The K variant causes more intense flu symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose, according to experts.

Among 216 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected since Sept. 28, 89.8% belonged to subclade K, a CDC report states.

More at the source: Fox 5 Atlanta

Mother Creates Fake News Broadcast Of Messy Rooms

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:49:15 GMT

Mother creates fake AI news broadcast to scare kids into cleaning rooms

The mother used AI-powered video editing tools—reportedly including Adobe After Effects or Synthesia—to overlay footage of her children's toy-strewn rooms onto a mock news segment.

The Content: The "breaking news" report featured a serious-looking AI news anchor (often identified as "Maria" or "Samantha") describing the chaotic state of the rooms as a developing national crisis.

The Threat: The newscast warned that if the children, often identified as twins named Elon and Lux or Vivian and Francesca, did not clean immediately, a "special service" or a "giant bug" would arrive to remove all their toys.
The Result: The children were captured on camera watching the broadcast in shock and disbelief before frantically rushing to clean their rooms.

More at source: India Times

Watch The Video Here

Bay Area care-home employee who left pitcher of cleaning fluid unattended, leading to deaths of two residents, sentenced to 40 days

IJCSA - — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:27:41 GMT

Bay Area care-home employee who left pitcher of cleaning fluid unattended, leading to deaths of two residents, sentenced to 40 days

An East Palo Alto woman was sentenced to 40 days in county jail for accidentally killing two and hospitalizing one Atria Assisted Living Facility resident by serving them toxic cleaning fluid instead of juice for breakfast, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

The woman, Alisia Rivera Mendoza, 36, previously pleaded no contest to felony elder abuse. In addition to her jail sentence, she received 350 hours of community service, two years of supervised probation and is banned from working in nursing homes and care facilities

Mendoza — who worked at the facility — poured the toxic cleaning fluid into a pitcher, intending to use it to clean the kitchen after breakfast. However, another employee took the pitcher and poured it into the three residents’ glasses, the DA’s office said. The San Mateo Fire Department and 911 was called at the time of the ingestion.

More at source: Daily Journal

Veterans Day - Office Closed

IJCSA - — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:31:20 GMT

Please be advised the office will be closed today in observance and remembrance of Veterans Day.

Homeaglow’s $19 house cleaning service traps customers in hard-to-cancel subscriptions, watchdog group says

IJCSA - — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:18:15 GMT

Homeaglow’s $19 house cleaning service traps customers in hard-to-cancel subscriptions, watchdog group says

Many consumers complained the one-time $19 cleaning came with an automatic enrollment in a six-month cleaning subscription, called ForeverClean. The subscription’s monthly fees were $49 to $59. But Homeaglow’s independent contractors also charge their own cleaning fees on top of Homeaglow’s fees, with prices varied by job.

Some consumers who tried to cancel were told they’d owe hefty early termination fees, in some cases $150 to $210.

Truth in Advertising has sent letters to the FTC and attorneys general in 12 states, including Illinois, and the District of Columbia asking them to investigate.

The nonprofit organization says the automatic subscription model, which it contends is not clearly disclosed, violates state consumer protection laws and the federal Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act of 2010, which protects consumers against so-called “negative option” marketing that employs automatic subscriptions without clear disclosures of the terms.

The setup is “especially egregious” and “deceptive,” says Laura Smith, legal director for Truth in Advertising.

Homeaglow agreed to pay $30,000 to settle a lawsuit filed last year by Pennsylvania, and it promised to clearly and conspicuously disclose its membership terms on its websites.

More at source: WBEZ Chicago

Cleaning Up Crimes Scenes Takes A Strong Stomach And Stronger Mind

IJCSA - — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 13:37:27 GMT

GetCleaning Up Crimes Scenes Takes A Strong Stomach And A Stronger Mind

Murder, suicide and fatal workplace accidents leave emotional and psychological scars for colleagues who have to continue working in offices that became crime scenes.

Across offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues, businesses are making a smart shift: embracing green cleaning solutions.

With growing awareness about environmental health, indoor air quality, and sustainable practices, companies are increasingly replacing harsh chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives.

In today’s world, clean doesn’t just mean “tidy” — it means sanitized, safe, and healthy. Many traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger allergies, asthma, or irritation. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can be harmful for employees and customers alike.

Global Janitorial Sinks Market Poised for 6.1% CAGR Growth, projected to Reach USD 1,655.46 million by 2035

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:28:38 GMT

Global Janitorial Sinks Market Poised for 6.1% CAGR Growth, projected to Reach USD 1,655.46 million by 2035

America has a hygiene problem. Not the hand-sanitizer kind—but the kind hiding in janitor’s closets, hospital corridors, and school maintenance rooms. Janitorial sinks, the unsung sentinels of sanitation, are long overdue for a reckoning. While the rest of the world is investing in cleaner, smarter, and more compliant infrastructure, the U.S. is lagging—badly.

According to Future Market Insights, the global janitorial market sinks is set to nearly double, jumping from USD 915.72 million in 2025 to USD 1,655.46 million by 2035. That’s a 6.1% CAGR. This growth isn’t just about shiny steel and smart plumbing it’s a wake-up call.

More at source: FMI

Experts say cleaning gym equipment after use can drastically reduce germ spread

IJCSA - — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:37:25 GMT

Experts say cleaning gym equipment after use can drastically reduce germ spread

BATON ROUGE — If you recently joined a gym for the summer or plan to, make sure you are cleaning any equipment you plan to use.

Some people may not realize that bacterial infections can spread from shared machines.

"The risk is low, although there are good examples of serious infections occurring related to shared gym equipment. And really the things you're most likely going to see here are going to be staph infections, you could see fungal infections, like things that cause ringworm, or like a fungal dermatitis,” Donald Dumford, an infectious disease specialist, said.

To help reduce the risk of transmission, wiping down any equipment you use with disinfectant spray is recommended. Most public gyms have spray and wipes available.

Experts also suggest showering once you get back home.

It is not just bacterial infections that you need to watch out for; there are other germs too.

More at source: 2 ABC

Cleaning chemicals force evacuation of South Toledo apartment building

IJCSA - — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:48:31 GMT

Cleaning chemicals force evacuation of South Toledo apartment building

An apparent hazardous materials incident at a South Toledo apartment complex sent four firefighters to an area hospital Thursday.

Around 11 a.m., the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department responded to a report of a person being overcome by an unknown odor at the Westland Gardens Apartments, 1752 Westland Gardens Rd.

Upon arriving, firefighters evacuated the entire building and conducted a room-by-room search. More than a dozen pieces of emergency equipment responded to the scene, including the hazmat unit and multiple medic and rescue units.

Sheldon Collins, TFD public information officer, said the number of resources was routine for fume-related concerns, noting that hazmat suits are requested if the team reports seeing or smelling something. He said the fumes Thursday were odorous, but not visible...

More at source: Toledo Blade

Clean living: Using non-toxic cleaners to reduce home air pollution

IJCSA - — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:10:51 GMT

Clean living: Using non-toxic cleaners to reduce home air pollution

Cleaning your kitchen without harsh chemicals

We talked with Allison Evans, a local clean-living expert, about how to identify toxins in cleaners, and ways to clean your kitchen using non-toxic cleaners.

The Brief

- Choosing non-toxic cleaners can reduce indoor air pollution and the health effects of some chemical-based cleaners.
- Clean-living experts say you can choose non-toxic cleaners by selecting soap-based cleaners, or those that don't contain perfumes, dyes, or colorants, among other agents.
- A non-toxic cleaner can be used for multi-purpose cleaning throughout the home.
More at source: Fox

Pudu Robotics Launches its Latest AI-Powered Autonomous Cleaning Robot - PUDU CC1 Pro

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 May 2025 17:47:07 GMT

Pudu Robotics Launches its Latest AI-Powered Autonomous Cleaning Robot - PUDU CC1 Pro

SHENZHEN, China, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pudu Robotics, the global leader in service robotics, today launched the PUDU CC1 Pro

AI-powered autonomous cleaning robot. The award-winning PUDU CC1 set a new benchmark with its four-in-one cleaning solution combining sweeping, scrubbing, vacuuming, and dust-mopping. Building on this successful model, the PUDU CC1 Pro advances intelligent cleaning automation with powerful AI-driven perception and decision-making integrated into every stage of the cleaning process.

More at source: PR News Wire

More Cleaning & Janitorial News Here

CloroxPro Announces New Agreement with Vizient to Supply Range of Cleaning and Disinfecting Products

IJCSA - — Fri, 09 May 2025 19:29:09 GMT

CloroxPro Announces New Agreement with Vizient to Supply Range of Cleaning and Disinfecting Products

PLEASANTON, Calif., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clorox Professional (CloroxPro), the trusted makers of a broad portfolio of healthcare and commercial cleaning solutions, is proud to announce our new contract with Vizient, the nation's largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company. This new agreement reflects CloroxPro's commitment to supporting healthcare and cleaning professionals with expanded solutions to meet evolving needs.

"CloroxPro is eager to bring our 110-year legacy of supporting healthcare professionals to Vizient as we collaborate to deliver exceptional value to their customers," said Dan Kellenberger, General Manager and VP, Clorox Professional. "We are committed to supporting healthcare professionals' dedication to combatting infections by providing cleaning and disinfecting solutions that deliver efficacy and value, as well as education and support for our customers and end-users at every step of their journey."

Under the new Vizient contract, CloroxPro will be providing a broad range of cleaning and disinfecting solutions, including products from trusted brands like Clorox Healthcare, Clorox EcoClean, Pine-Sol and more. The contract is effective as of May 1, 2025, with both companies working closely to ensure a seamless integration of the expanded product offerings.

About Clorox Professional (CloroxPro), The Clorox Company's Professional Business Unit
Building on a century-long legacy in cleaning and disinfecting, CloroxPro offers some of the industry's most recognized and trusted brand names for commercial cleaning, including its Clorox Healthcare products for healthcare facilities. From comprehensive surface disinfection to advanced technologies, CloroxPro is committed to meeting the demands of industry professionals and commercial facilities such as offices, schools, athletic facilities and hospitals. For more information, visit www.CloroxPro.com

Find A Janitorial Service Here

Discuss This Article Here

Severe weather just won't quit: Line of storms threaten large swath across US

IJCSA - — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:49:51 GMT

Severe weather just won't quit: Line of storms threaten large swath across US

Severe weather will again unleash on a large stretch of the United States from Texas through the Midwest, Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast on May 1, forecasters said.

The south-central part of the country, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, has endured days on end of dangerous weather, including tornadoes and flooding that killed two in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service said forward motion of the weather system that stalled over the region would spell a brief reprieve for the region during the day before storms redevelop later in the evening through May 2.

Meanwhile, the storm system will refocus on the Mid-Mississippi Valley and the Midwest and reach the Great Lakes by night, the weather service said. States in the Mid-Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee valleys, stretching all the way into parts of Pennsylvania and western New York, could see thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail and a possible isolated tornado, the weather service said.

More At Source: USA Today

Find A Storm / Flood Damage Cleaning Service Here

Janitorial Service Market Expected to Rise at a CAGR of 6% during 2025-2031

IJCSA - — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:17:33 GMT

Janitorial Service Market Expected to Rise at a CAGR of 6% during 2025-2031

The latest study released on the Global Janitorial Service Market by HTF MI evaluates market size, trend, and forecast to 2031. The Janitorial Service market study covers significant research data and proofs to be a handy resource document for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people to have ready-to-access and self-analyzed study to help understand market trends, growth drivers, opportunities and upcoming challenges and about the competitors.

Key Players in This Report Include: ABM Industries Incorporated (United States), ISS Facility Services (Denmark), Sodexo (France), Jani-King International, Inc. (United States), ServiceMaster Clean (United States), CleanNet USA, Inc. (United States), Baguette & Baguette, Inc. (Canada), Anago Cleaning Systems (United States), Vanguard Cleaning Systems, Inc. (United States), Coverall North America, Inc. (United States), Mitie Group plc (United Kingdom), Aramark Corporation (United States)

According to HTF Market Intelligence, the global Janitorial Service market is valued at USD 60 Billion in 2024 and estimated to reach a revenue of USD 100 Billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2031

More at source: Open PR

Nearly 500 cases of measles reported across 19 states: CDC

IJCSA - — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:36:21 GMT

Nearly 500 cases of measles reported across 19 states: CDC

The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 400, with 73 cases reported over the last three days, according to new data released Friday.

Almost all of the cases are in unvaccinated individuals or in individuals whose vaccination status is unknown, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). At least 41 people have been hospitalized so far.

Children and teenagers between ages 5 and 17 make up the majority of cases at 164, followed by children ages 4 and under comprising 131 cases, according to the data.

It comes as the CDC has so far confirmed 483 measles cases this year in at least 19 states: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington

This is likely an undercount due to delays in states reporting cases to the federal health agency.

More info at the source: CDC

Find A Flood Damage & Restoration Service Here

Communities regroup after deadly storms destroyed homes and businesses: Update

IJCSA - — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:07:00 GMT

Communities regroup after deadly storms destroyed homes and businesses: Update

The National Guard is being deployed as residents across the U.S. began to assess the fallout from dozens of tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms that left at least 42 people dead and hundreds of decimated buildings in their wake over the weekend.

Field crews from weather service offices across the central and eastern U.S. began surveying the damage Sunday after deaths were reported in Kansas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, and Oklahoma, where almost 300 houses and structures were destroyed by wildfires. As clean-up begins for some, parts of the Central and Southern High Plains will be at risk for extreme or critical fire weather Monday, the National Weather Service said.

Nationwide, there were over 130,000 power outages Monday morning, according to USA TODAY's outage tracker, including over 25,000 outages in Missouri, where at least a dozen people were killed and an EF-3 tornado with peak winds of 140 mph was reported Saturday.

More at source: USA Today

Janitorial workers and musculoskeletal pain: webinar explores solutions

IJCSA - — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:39:10 GMT

Janitorial workers and musculoskeletal pain: webinar explores solutions

San Francisco — Janitorial workers can lower their risk of musculoskeletal injuries by rotating job tasks and, when possible, reducing force, University of California researchers say.

Their finding is included in a forthcoming report, which the researchers discussed during a recent webinar conducted by the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health at UC Berkeley.

Janitors “perform physically demanding work” that “can result in low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders,” said study co-author Melissa Afterman, a certified ergonomist and instructor at UC San Francisco.

The team surveyed 416 janitors in California as part of the study and found that nearly 85% reported experiencing moderate to severe pain in at least one body region over the past month, with all regions affected similarly.

More at the source: Safety + Health

Find A Medical Certified Janitorial Service Here

Dangerous bacteria lurk in hospital sink drains, despite rigorous cleaning, study reveals

IJCSA - — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:32:38 GMT

Dangerous bacteria lurk in hospital sink drains, despite rigorous cleaning, study reveals

Patients with lowered immune defenses, and in some hospitals, poor adherence to hygiene protocols, allow HAIs to thrive. Furthermore, antibiotics are widely used in hospitals, which tends to select for hardy, resistant strains of bacteria. When such resistance genes lie on mobile genetic elements, they can even jump between bacterial species, potentially leading to novel diseases.

"Here we show that hospital sink drains host bacterial populations that change over time, despite impeccable cleaning protocols in the particular hospital we looked at," said Dr. Margarita Gomila, a professor at the University of the Balearic Islands in Spain, and the senior author of a study in Frontiers In Microbiology.

"These results highlight that controlling bacterial growth in drains, and preventing colonization by new strains of such hard-to-disinfect niches, is likely a global problem."

More at source: M edical Express

Find A Grave Cleaning Service Here

Weird But True - I clean graves as a side hustle — it gave me enough cash to buy my first home

IJCSA - — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:53:06 GMT

I clean graves as a side hustle — it gave me enough cash to buy my first home

A man says his side hustle of cleaning graves has enabled him to buy his first home.

Shaun Tookey, 31, has cleaned more than 300 graves since he began his side business in May 2023.

Families will pay him between $187 and $312 for a deep clean and $437 and $562 for a deep clean, repainted lettering and decorative chippings for headstones belonging to loved ones.

He said it can take him up to two hours and he cleans between two and four graves a day, alongside a full-time job as a tree surgeon.

More at source: NY POST

SEIU Local 2: Halifax area could see its first ever large-scale private sector janitorial strike next week

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:39:49 GMT

SEIU Local 2: Halifax area could see its first ever large-scale private sector janitorial strike next week

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Jan. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Three hundred private sector cleaners could soon be on the picket lines across the HRM. The workers, who are employed by GDI Integrated Facility Services, have been without a contract since the end of September 2024. A final conciliation meeting between the employer and the workers’ Union, SEIU Local 2, is scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025. If an agreement is not reached, the strike will start on Monday, January 27, 2025. A mass rally at Purdy’s Wharf is being planned.

SEIU Local 2 represents 20,000 workers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

More at source: Global News Wire

Waffle House Servers Accuse Company of Forcing Unpaid Labor, Including Janitorial Duties

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:09:29 GMT

Waffle House Servers Accuse Company of Forcing Unpaid Labor, Including Janitorial Duties

Waffle House servers are firing back at the breakfast chain, claiming they have been improperly paid for years.

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:19:54 GMT

Cleaners at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Workers who clean airplanes, remove trash and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, went on strike Monday during a busy week of holiday travel to demand higher wages.

The Service Employees International Union announced the strike in a statement early Monday, saying the workers would demand “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The strike was expected to last 24 hours, said union spokesperson Sean Keady.

Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. The two companies contract with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs.

More at source: WPTF

Sparkoz Introduces New AI Model for Intelligent Robotic Cleaning

IJCSA - — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:57:32 GMT

Sparkoz Introduces New AI Model for Intelligent Robotic Cleaning

Sparkoz Introduces New AI Model for Intelligent Robotic Cleaning, Empowering Sparkoz Robots with Scene Understanding and Autonomous Decision-Making

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Sparkoz Technology Corporation, a global leader in intelligent cleaning solutions, proudly announces the integration of a revolutionary new AI model across its entire range of robots. This cutting-edge technology enables Sparkoz robots to analyze scenes, make autonomous decisions, and execute tasks with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

"Our new AI model transforms all Sparkoz robots into more than just machines—they are now intelligent assistants capable of understanding and adapting to their environments," says Danny Cui, Founder and President of Sparkoz Technology Corporation. "This advancement redefines what businesses can expect from commercial cleaning robots."

AI-Powered Scene Understanding: How It Works

Equipped with advanced sensors and the newly integrated AI model, Sparkoz robots process environmental data to generate actionable insights and adapt operations in real time.

Adapting to Environmental Changes: Sparkoz robots identify dynamic changes in their surroundings, such as detecting muddy footprints, and autonomously switch to a powerful cleaning mode without requiring manual input.
Task Management: The robots intelligently prioritize and adjust tasks based on changing conditions. For instance, they identify crowded areas, such as busy supermarket checkouts, and strategically delay cleaning to avoid disruption, resuming operations once the space is clear.
Communication and Collaboration: Sparkoz robots seamlessly collaborate with human teams by providing real-time updates. For example, they can notify staff of spills or misplaced items, suggest actions, and coordinate cleanup efforts for enhanced safety and productivity.

Benefits for Businesses

With the integration of this AI model, Sparkoz's autonomous floor scrubber delivers:

Autonomous Decision-Making: Reduced human intervention for routine tasks.
Enhanced Productivity: Real-time adjustments to optimize cleaning efficiency.
Improved Usability: Simplified operations through intelligent alerts and feedback systems.

Interactive Demonstration at the Exhibition

To highlight the transformative capabilities of this new AI, Sparkoz invites attendees to a live demonstration. Guests can interact with Sparkoz robots and witness how they analyze scenes, make decisions, and adapt actions to their environment.

"Imagine a robotic assistant that not only cleans efficiently but also communicates intelligently, adapts to complex scenarios, and enhances operational workflows," adds Danny. "This is the future of robotic cleaning, and Sparkoz is proud to lead the way."

About Sparkoz Technology Corporation

Sparkoz designs and builds the world's most intelligent floor-cleaning robots using proprietary software and hardware patents. Proven effective in airports, supermarkets, retail spaces, and many other properties seeking innovative cleaning solutions to increase productivity.

More at the source: Sparkoz

Global Cleaning Robot Market Set For 25.2% Growth, Reaching $34.86 Billion By 2028

IJCSA - — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:59:13 GMT

Global Cleaning Robot Market Set For 25.2% Growth, Reaching $34.86 Billion By 2028

Cleaning Robot Global Market Report 2024 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033

The Business Research Company's Global Cleaning Robot Market Set For 25.2% Growth, Reaching $34.86 Billion By 2028

It will grow to $34.86 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.2%.”

— The Business Research Company

LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, November 6, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Business Research Company’s Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports—limited time only!

The cleaning robot market is witnessing exponential growth, expected to rise from $11.44 billion in 2023 to $14.2 billion in 2024, achieving a staggering CAGR of 24.2%. This growth is driven by rising labor costs, a growing demand for automation, heightened awareness of hygiene, increased commercial and industrial cleaning needs, and the adoption of smart home and IoT-enabled devices.

What Is the Projected Market Size of the Global Cleaning Robot Market and Its Growth Rate?

The market is projected to experience exponential growth, reaching $34.86 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 25.2%. This growth is driven by market penetration in emerging economies, urbanization, the expansion of e-commerce and warehouse automation, increased adoption in the hospitality and retail sectors, and rising demand for disinfection and sterilization robots in healthcare. Trends expected during this period include advancements in UV-C and disinfection technologies, AI-powered navigation and mapping, integration with smart home ecosystems, edge cleaning capabilities, and the adoption of swappable cleaning attachments.

More at source: Newswires

EPA announces tougher rules to protect children from lead paint exposure

IJCSA - — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:12:59 GMT

EPA announces tougher rules to protect children from lead paint exposure

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two weeks after setting a nationwide deadline for removal of lead pipes, the Biden administration is imposing strict new limits on dust from lead-based paint in older homes and child-care facilities.

A final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on lead dust on floors and window sills in pre-1978 residences and child-care facilities to levels so low they cannot be detected.

Paint that contains lead was banned in 1978, but more than 30 million American homes are believed to still contain it, including nearly 4 million homes where children under the age of 6 live. Lead paint can chip off when it deteriorates or is disturbed, especially during home remodeling or renovation.

“There is no safe level of lead,” said Michal Freedhoff, EPA’s assistant administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention. The new rule will bring the United States “closer to eradicating lead-based paint hazards from homes and child care facilities once and for all,” she said.

More at the source: PBS

More at the EPA

Thousands of cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 11:51:14 GMT

Thousands of cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems

CNN — When you go through the chore of cleaning your home, you hope the end result is a safer, healthier environment for you and your loved ones. But some of the products you are using might put your health at risk.

“Many people assume that when you’re buying something on the shelf or if it’s for sale in a store, that there’s no risk to it or they know exactly what they’re getting,” said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that researches and advocates for safer products. “That just isn’t the case.”

On the American market, the EWG has found that more than 2,000 cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems including asthma, chemical burns and cancer risks.

It can be hard to tell exactly what is safe and what is not when shopping at the store. This is especially true with the prevalence of “greenwashing,” or when companies utilize tactics in their product labeling or marketing to appear more natural and environmentally safe, said Jennie Romer, the deputy assistant administrator for pollution prevention at the US Environmental Protection Agency.

More at the source: CNN

Find A Certified Flood Damage & Restoration Service

Hurricane Milton - More Than 3 Million Homes Without Power As Storm Moves Past Florida East Coast

IJCSA - — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 09:52:29 GMT

Hurricane Milton - More Than 3 Million Homes Without Power As Storm Moves Past Florida East Coast

More than 3 million homes and businesses are without power early on Thursday after Hurricane Milton weakened to category 1 storm as it moved through central Florida after spawning multiple tornadoes and flash floods along the state’s Gulf Coast.

4 a.m. EDT, Oct 10 — Almost a million more customers have lost power across Florida in the last few hours with the total number of homes and businesses facing outages crossing 3 million on PowerOutage.US.

2:15 a.m. EDT, Oct 10 — A large crane collapsed and smashed into the side of a building in downtown St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Times reported, adding that the incident occurred near the newspaper’s main office and smoke was billowing out of the affected building.

More at source: Forbes

Find A Flood Damage & Restoration Service Here

Red Cross Responds Across Massive Area as Full Picture of Helene’s Horrific Devastation Slowly Comes to Light

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:19:25 GMT

Red Cross Responds Across Massive Area as Full Picture of Helene’s Horrific Devastation Slowly Comes to Light

Donations urged to help people affected by Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene is one of the deadliest storms to ever hit the United States, leaving behind hundreds of miles of catastrophic damage and changing lives forever. The American Red Cross has launched a massive response to ensure no one faces this challenging time alone.

Across the Southeast, hundreds of people are still missing, and damaged roads and bridges have cut off entire communities, making it difficult to get help to those areas. People need water, food, medicine and medical care. Tens of thousands of homes have been affected and some 1.3 million customers — about 4 million people — are still without power.

“With massive relief efforts underway in response to Hurricane Helene, we are working around the clock to help people and communities devastatingly impacted by this storm’s path of destruction,” said Trevor Riggen, president of Red Cross Humanitarian Services. “Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected, and we want you to know that you are not alone. The Red Cross and our partners will be there to provide shelter, food and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.”

RED CROSS RESPONSE More than 1,200 Red Cross disaster responders from across the country are helping people across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

The Red Cross is managing shelters where residents can get hot meals and emotional support. In these same areas, emergency response vehicles — deployed from every state — are on the roads providing meals and critical supplies as families begin to clean up their homes. In the Carolinas, we’re working with state taskforces to coordinate feeding efforts to help ensure communities are getting the help they need. And in Florida, the Red Cross is helping to assess residential damage.

More at source: American Red Cross

COVID-19 remained at 'very high' activity levels across the US: See latest data

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:27:20 GMT

COVID-19 remained at 'very high' activity levels across the US: See latest data

The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that last month nearly half of the United States have reported "very high" levels of COVID-19 activity.

As concerns with COVID have waned across the U.S., the CDC has come to rely on wastewater data to track the virus, which often lags several weeks behind current case counts.

IJCSA - — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:52:48 GMT

In surprise move, Ramsey County adds nonunion janitorial firms, displacing union workers -

Ramsey County Minnesota starting Monday will use nonunion janitorial firms next week for the first time in decades.

The county opened its contract to new bids in April and by June decided to use four cleaning companies instead of one. Three of the new companies are nonunion.

The move displaces 19 employees who work for the unionized shop Triangle Services, which was the only provider under the old contract. Starting Monday, Triangle will clean only the county’s Metro Square building on 7th Place in downtown St. Paul, a job that requires just four workers, union officials said.

The employees and their union, SEIU Local 26, are upset by the move and worried they are now out of a job plus employee retirement benefits that were newly won under a hard-fought contract passed in February.

Affected employees said they were notified three weeks ago

More at source: Star Tribune MN

More Janitorial & Cleaning News Here

Janitorial / Cleaning Industry Report July 2024

IJCSA - — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:12:18 GMT

*Janitorial Wages and Employment Report*

*Current Trends:*

- The median hourly wage for janitors and building cleaners was $16.84 in May 2023 ¹.

- The average hourly pay for a Custodian Janitor is $14.93 in 2024 ².

- The average hourly pay for a Cleaner is $14.69 in 2024 ³.

*Employment:*

- Employment of janitors and building cleaners is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032 ¹.

- Despite limited employment growth, about 336,700 openings for janitors and building cleaners are projected each year, on average, over the decade ¹.

*Wage Ranges:*

- Custodian Janitors:

- Highest pay: $19.92 / hour ²

- Lowest pay: $10.81 / hour ²

- Cleaners:

- Highest pay: $22.79 / hour ³

- Lowest pay: $10.43 / hour ³

*Job Satisfaction:*

- Cleaners have reported a job satisfaction rating of 3.68 out of 5, indicating high satisfaction with their job ³.

*Growth Opportunities:*

- Increasing pay as a Custodian Janitor or Cleaner is possible through:

- Change of employer

- Level of education

- Managing experience ² ³

*Conclusion:*

The janitorial industry is a vital part of maintaining clean and orderly environments. While employment growth may be limited, there are still opportunities for job seekers in this field. Understanding current wages and employment trends can help individuals make informed decisions about their careers.

*Janitorial Cleaning Services Market Report*

The global janitorial cleaning services market is a growing industry driven by factors such as the rise of dual-income households, an aging population, and increased awareness of hygiene ¹. The market was valued at $375.32 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.83% from 2023 to 2030 ².

*Key Drivers:*

- *Rise of Dual-Income Households*: With more households having two working parents, there is less time available for cleaning and other household chores, leading to an increase in demand for cleaning services ¹.

- *Aging Population*: The aging population requires assistance with cleaning and maintaining their homes, driving the demand for cleaning services ¹.

- *Increased Awareness of Hygiene*: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, leading to an increase in demand for cleaning services ¹.

*Market Segments:*

- *Floor Care & Vacuuming*: This segment holds a major market share due to increased awareness regarding maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in work areas and households ².

- *Commercial Cleaning Services*: The commercial segment is anticipated to dominate the global market as large working areas require professional cleaning services to maintain a safe and hygienic environment ².

*Regional Insights:*

- *North America*: Dominates the global market due to the rise in the use of green commercial solutions in the region ².

- *Asia Pacific*: Projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to increased employment opportunities, disposable income, urbanization, and other factors ².

*Key Players:*

- *ABM Industries Inc.*

- *The ServiceMaster Company, LLC*

- *CleanNet USA, Inc.*

*Challenges:*

- *Lack of Availability of Skilled Labor*: The lack of training programs, the aging workforce, and the changing employment landscape are the factors that result in labor shortage ².

Source: Bureau Of Labor

Find A Window Cleaning Service Here

Portland area security guards, janitors sign new union contracts

IJCSA - — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 20:53:52 GMT

Portland area security guards, janitors sign new union contracts

SEIU Local 49 members work as security officers and janitorial staff for some of the biggest employers in the Pacific Northwest.

The Portland team bargained for about a month and gained wage increases, additional paid leave, and health and safety improvements.

IJCSA - — Fri, 31 May 2024 12:01:49 GMT

Electrocuted window cleaner 'incredibly strong'

A window cleaner who survived a 33,000-volt shock at work faces a "massive" surgery to save both his legs.

Jason Knight, 34, from Westbury in Wiltshire, was left with severe injuries when an electrical current jumped from an overhead power cable to his cleaning pole as he was cleaning a customer's windows on 6 April.

He was airlifted to Southmead Hospital where he has remained since, undergoing at least 20 operations.

His father John Knight, 58, told BBC Radio Wiltshire his son had "loads of fight in him" and was focusing on being able to return home to his family.

"Jason is incredibly strong," Mr Knight said.

"He's stronger than me, he's stronger than a lot of people mentally.

"He's going to do everything he can, he said, to eventually get home and see his children."

Father of three Jason, who had owned his own window cleaning business for two years at the time of the incident, was "catapulted" through the air when the deadly current jumped from an overhead cable above a customer's garden.

More at source: Yahoo News

Janitorial Company Owners Face Charges for Allegedly Underreporting Payroll by over $2.4 million

IJCSA - — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:14:10 GMT

Janitorial Company Owners Face Charges for Allegedly Underreporting Payroll by over $2.4 million

Jose Arredondo, aged 50, and his wife Olga Chaves, aged 45, faced arraignment today on charges of insurance fraud following a California Department of Insurance investigation.

IJCSA - — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:38:33 GMT

Airbnb Has a Plan to Fix Cleaning Fees

Pretty much everyone hates Airbnb cleaning fees — those pesky charges tacked on to your vacation rental bill that supposedly cover the costs to get the place ready for the next visitors. Travelers don’t like the expense, and hosts don’t like charging them, either.

Dennis Shirshikov, an Airbnb host who owns a rental property in upstate New York, says cleaning fees are the most common complaint he gets from customers.

“We are strongly considering cutting them off,” he says.

And Shirshikov might get his way. Airbnb is set to roll out big changes that won’t end cleaning fees but could make them more transparent for customers and incentivize hosts to reduce or forgo them altogether.

More at source: Nerd Wallet

Janitorial workers at local university blame cleaning product for allergic reactions

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:16:16 GMT

Janitorial workers at local university blame cleaning product for allergic reactions

Several janitorial workers employed by a company that cleans Nova Southeastern University are voicing concerns regarding a new product they have been asked to use.

They believe a new disinfectant they began using in December made them sick and say the company they work for, Encompass Onsite, did not take their concerns seriously.

“I felt like I couldn’t get air. All of this burned,” said worker Alba Ramirez, pointing to her throat.

Beautiful People sometimes do dirty jobs. Mateo Smith is hoping to raise awareness about the problem so others will help.

TAMPA, Fla. — Keeping the Tampa Bay area clean can be a dirty job, but a Tampa man has taken on the challenge with a unique twist. He dresses like a wolf.

"My name is Mateo Smith, but in my spare time I am the Trash Wolf."

About a year and a half ago, Mateo said he just couldn't take it anymore. He was tired of seeing trash scattered in every corner of the Tampa Bay area.

More at source: WTSP

Find A Trash Wolf Here

California Labor Commissioner’s Office Reaches $1 Million Settlement with Cheesecake Factory, Janitorial Contractors

IJCSA - — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:33:17 GMT

California Labor Commissioner’s Office Reaches $1 Million Settlement with Cheesecake Factory, Janitorial Contractors

Owed Wages to be Distributed to 589 Janitors

San Diego—The Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) reached a $1 million settlement against the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Inc. dba The Cheesecake Factory and two janitorial contractors for underpaying 589 janitorial workers.

Janitors who worked at Cheesecake Factory restaurants in Brea, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Escondido, San Diego-Fashion Valley and San Diego-Seaport District between August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2017 should immediately contact LCO at (619) 767-2039 as they may be entitled to owed wages and damages under the settlement agreement.

“California strengthened its laws to remove loopholes that allowed businesses to subcontract services and avoid responsibility to ensure workers are paid what they are owed,” said Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower. “This settlement is a result of our effort to use enforcement tools which increase compliance, levels the playing field and recovers owed wages for workers.”

More at the source: State Of California

Find A Storm & Flood Damage Cleaning Service

Powerful storms bring heavy snow, rain, tornadoes, flooding to much of U.S., leave several dead

IJCSA - — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:43:03 GMT

Powerful storms bring heavy snow, rain, tornadoes, flooding to much of U.S., leave several deAD

A storm packing high winds and heavy rain was sweeping through the Northeast early Wednesday while wild winter weather elsewhere brought tornadoes and deadly accidents in the Midwest and South, flood threats in Florida and blizzards in the Northwest.

Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses up and down the East Coast and in Michigan had no power early Wednesday, according to PowerOutage.u.s. And FlightAware.com said hundreds of U.S. flights were canceled as of Wednesday morning.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm on Tuesday afternoon and New York City officials evacuated nearly 2,000 migrants housed at a sprawling tent complex ahead of predicted wind gusts as high as 70 mph.

More at source: CBS

Imperial Dade expands coverage in Washington with acquisition of Insight Distributing

IJCSA - — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 19:43:00 GMT

Imperial Dade expands coverage in Washington with acquisition of Insight Distributing

Imperial Dade on Tuesday announced it acquired Insight Distributing in Spokane, Washington. The transaction represents the 77th acquisition for Jersey City-based Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively.

Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

With history dating back to 1941, Insight has been a staple in Spokane and will remain an integral leader going forward. Owned and operated by Ken and Luke Pearlstein, the company remains committed to providing its customers and associates with the highest level of attention. The company’s two locations service its loyal and diverse customer base throughout Washington and Idaho.

“Insight’s storied history in the industry and exceptional customer service make it a great addition to the Imperial Dade platform,” Robert Tillis said.

More at source: ROI

World's Largest Janitor Statue, world record in Pocatello, Idaho

IJCSA - — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:22:27 GMT

What is the main focus of companies’ sustainability policies today? And what will be the next big sustainability ‘thing’ as far as cleaning and hygiene companies are concerned? Ann Laffeaty poses these questions.

Green cleaning – like most things – is subject to trends. Over the years we have seen companies focusing on various aspects of sustainability including recycling initiatives, carbon footprint reductions, water savings and lowering emissions.

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 11:23:50 GMT

Janitorial Firm Illegally Fired NYC Cleaner, NLRB Judge Rules

Judge found cleaner to be credible witness
Direct evidence of anti-union hostility in case

The new agreement includes wage increases of 18.6% over the life of the four-year contract, as well as a bonus for union members. It came without cuts to workers’ hours, which union members worried would be on the table given the building owners’ push for flexibility as they contend with record-high building vacancies and low occupancy due to a shift toward remote and hybrid work schedules.

The union also got an additional paid holiday for Juneteenth, improved retirement benefits, and expanded dental benefits while existing health-care benefits were maintained. The contract also strengthened protections for pregnant workers, the union said.

More at source: Philadelphia Inquirer

'Disease X' likely to be 20 times more deadlier than Covid-19, says expert. What is it?

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:51:03 GMT

'Disease X' likely to be 20 times more deadlier than Covid-19, says expert. What is it?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) dubbed the potential next pandemic as ‘Disease X’ and said that it may already be on its way.

After over three years of small and big waves, coronavirus has now drastically reduced and become a familiar health concern. Now, healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom are gearing up for a potential new pandemic ‘Disease X’. According to experts, the new virus may be deadlier than Covid-19 - which has claimed nearly seven million lives - and may have a similar impact as the Spanish Flu.

More at source: HT Times

Lawsuit filed over cleaning worker who died in department store bathroom, body not found for days

IJCSA - — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 09:38:44 GMT

Lawsuit filed over cleaning worker who died in department store bathroom, body not found for days

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The family of a cleaning worker whose body remained in a locked bathroom at a department store for days after she died filed suit Tuesday against the Belk chain, saying her body was so decomposed they couldn’t even hold an open casket funeral.

Bessie Durham, a 63-year-old worker with a contractor hired to clean the Belk store near Columbia, South Carolina, went into a family bathroom around 7 a.m. on a Thursday in 2022 and died shortly after from a cardiac problem, attorney Chris Hart said.

Durham had clocked in for work but never clocked out and her cleaning cart sat outside the locked door for four days until Columbia Police called the store trying to find Durham because her family reported the woman missing, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday.

More at source: Associated Press

CDC reveals top Covid hotspots in the US as hospitalisations surge

IJCSA - — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:41:35 GMT

CDC reveals top Covid hotspots in the US as hospitalisations surge

The highest numbers of new hospitalisations last week per individual person was at 740 in Los Angeles County, California, whereas 351 different counties reported zero hospitalisations.

The highest number of hospital admissions by state per 100,00 this week was still Florida (11.2) and Hawaii (9.46), which were also the highest on 29 August. Some states have risen by a point of two and others have fallen, such as Mississippi, which was at 6.5 two weeks ago and is now at 6.18.

More at source: US News & World Report

What to know about COVID as hospitalizations go up and some places bring back masks

IJCSA - — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:08:27 GMT

What to know about COVID as hospitalizations go up and some places bring back masks

A late-summer uptick in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths has some schools, hospitals and other businesses scrambling to keep illness from spreading.

Spectrum News

New COVID variant driving up hospital admissions in N.Y.

2 days ago

bookmark_border

more_vert

Is the latest COVID-19 variant another omicron?

15 hours ago

Workers that maintain American Dream are on strike

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:59:23 GMT

Workers that maintain American Dream are on strike

Workers at the New Jersey megamall American Dream are striking this week in protest of what they said was unfair intimidation and retaliation, illegal firings, and substandard wages, among other grievances.

The conflict began between janitorial workers at the mall and their employer, HSA Cleaning, which manages the maintenance of the massive 3-million-square-foot mall, along with other commercial and retail clients. In June of 2022, two workers at the mall — Jose Terán and Luis Varela — began organizing a union drive among their fellow employees with the 32BJ branch of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU. Both men were fired for their efforts, but federal labor law prevents companies for retaliating against employees for unionization activities....

More at source: Glossy

Do you think more janitorial strikes are coming? Discuss here.

Garbage piles up at train station in southern France as janitorial workers extend strike

IJCSA - — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:17:30 GMT

Garbage piles up at train station in southern France as janitorial workers Extend Strike strike

Garbage has accumulated in a train station in southern France as janitorial workers have decided to extend their strike over salary payment delays, local media reported.

Workers at the Marseille Saint-Charles station walked out on July 31 to press their company for salaries, according to broadcaster France 3.

"Today, we are not saying give us a raise, but pay our salaries," said Kamel Djeffel, spokesperson for the trade union Solidaires CAT, the media outlet reported on Monday.

Workers of the cleaning company, Laser, are fighting for delayed salary payments and poor working conditions.

Garbage was seen piling up inside the station, as trash cans were overfilled.

More at source: AA Europe

Find Janitorial Jobs Here

What you should know about the latest Covid-19 surge. A doctor explains

IJCSA - — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:21:58 GMT

What you should know about the latest Covid-19 surge. A doctor explains

CNN: Why might there be an uptick in coronavirus infections at this time?

Dr. Leana Wen: We are now in the fourth summer of the coronavirus pandemic. Every summer thus far, the United States has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases. Some of this may be due to the cyclical nature of the coronavirus — we’ve seen an increase in cases, followed by a relatively quieter period, followed by another increase. This may well be the pattern going forward, with two or more of these waves of infections every year.

One of the reasons for a rise in cases during summer, specifically, may be that people get together indoors when the weather is very hot. This could also explain why there are increases in infections around holidays, when people gather in larger groups in enclosed spaces.

It’s important to note that this current increase does not appear to be driven by the emergence of a new variant. According to the CDC, all existing variants are offshoots of the Omicron strain, which first emerged in late 2021.

More at source: CNN

VCU Cleaners Get First Union Contract

IJCSA - — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:07:16 GMT

VCU Cleaners Get First Union Contract

Virginia Commonwealth University cleaners have won their first union contract.

Along with 12 additional paid days off, the school's janitorial staff will also receive a pay increase. Under the contract, their pay will increase from $12 to $15 immediately, and over the next two years, they'll get 65-cent increases to bring their pay to more than $16 an hour.

Angela Arrington, a lead cleaner at VCU, described how this contract benefits workers.

"I think we'll be able to keep more people on our team with the pay raises," she said. "We got 401(k), we're going to be having health insurance. We're going to have vacation and some sick time, and that's going to help a lot, as well."

More at source: Public News Service

Find Janitorial Jobs Here

Click Here To Access The Job Board

New! IJCSA Job Boards

IJCSA - — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:04:51 GMT

New! The IJCSA Jobs Board Allows Members To Post Employment Ads & Resumes For Free!

All ads are syndicated and once you post on the IJCSA Job Board it will be posted on hundreds of employment websites at once!

View Jobs, Post Your Resume, Post A Employment Opportunity.

Use Your IJCSA Account Info & Password To Log-in To The Job Board

Deadly storms bring baseball-sized hail, leave 300K without power across US

IJCSA - — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:36:26 GMT

Deadly storms bring baseball-sized hail, leave 300K without power across US as more severe weather looms

Residents from the Northeast to the southern Plains are in storm recovery mode Friday after severe storms blasted the regions Thursday with large hail and damaging winds, leaving at least one person dead and hundreds of thousands without power.

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:12:26 GMT

Cleaning company sued for $1M after janitor’s major mistake at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York

The company held a $1.4m (£1.1m) contract to clean the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York back in 2020 which is when the alleged incident happened.

Research on photosynthesis, headed by Prof KV Lakshmi, had the potential to be "ground-breaking" in furthering solar panel development, a lawyer for the institute wrote.

A few days before the freezer was turned off, an alarm went off to alert a 3C temperature rise. Though the fluctuation could have been catastrophic, Prof Lakshmi "determined that the cell cultures, samples and research were not being harmed," the legal case read.

Due to Covid restrictions at the time, it would take a week before any repairs could begin.

In the meantime, a sign on the freezer's door read: "This freezer is beeping as it is under repair. Please do not move or unplug it. No cleaning required in this area.

"You can press the alarm/test mute button for 5-10 seconds if you would like to mute the sound."

But days after the alarm started sounding, the cleaner turned off the circuit breaker providing electricity to the freezer.

More at source: BBC

Janitorial Cleaning Services Market Share Size 2023 : Top Players, Market Share, Future Growth by 2029 | Clean First Time, Sodexo, Harvard Maintenance

IJCSA - — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:42:28 GMT

Janitorial Cleaning Services Market Share Size 2023 : Top Players, Market Share, Future Growth by 2029 | Clean First Time, Sodexo, Harvard Maintenance

Introduction:

The New Report By 360 Research Reports Titled, ‘Global "Janitorial Cleaning Services Market" Size, Share, Price, Trends,Report and Forecast 2023-2029’, gives an in-depth analysis of the global Janitorial Cleaning Services market, assessing the market based on its segments like fraction, application, end-use, and major regions.The Janitorial Cleaning Services Market Report Contains 118 pages Including Full TOC, Tables and Figures, and Chart with In-depth Analysis Pre and Post COVID-19 Market Outbreak Impact Analysis and Situation by Region.

Who is the largest manufacturers of Janitorial Cleaning Services Market worldwide?

Clean First Time
Sodexo
Harvard Maintenance
Stratus Building Solutions
Duraclean
Jan-Pro International
ChemDry
BONUS Building Care
Jani-King
Compass Group
UGL Unicco Services
Steamatic
The Service Master Company
Aramark
Pritchard Industries
Red Coats
Vanguard
Mothers House Cleaning
Mothers House Cleaning
Temko Service Industries
ABM Industries
CleanNet
Stanley Steemer
Anago Cleaning Systems

Get a Sample PDF of report -https://www.360researchreports.com/enquiry/request-sample/18033239

Short Description About Janitorial Cleaning Services Market:

The Global Janitorial Cleaning Services market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2022 and 2029. In 2021, the market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon.

Janitorial cleaning services include cleaning services in various public areas such as restrooms and receptions. They also include services such as cleaning carpets and windows.

More at source: Digital Journal

50 million under severe storm threat today as one Texas town digs out after a deadly tornado

IJCSA - — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:08:28 GMT

50 million under severe storm threat today as one Texas town digs out after a deadly tornado

More than 50 million people across a large swath of the US are under a severe weather threat Friday, one day after storms cut a deadly path across Texas and Florida.

Three people were killed in Perryton, Texas, when a ruinous tornado slammed the town Thursday, the fire chief told CNN. The storm also sent up to 100 people in the Texas Panhandle town to the hospital with injuries ranging from head wounds to abrasions, the Ochiltree General Hospital interim CEO told CNN.

And a person in Florida died after being trapped under a tree that fell on their home, Escambia County officials said.

The county, which includes Pensacola, was hit with flash flooding emergencies overnight, leading to high water rescues, the National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, reported early Friday, citing local rescuers.

More at source: CNN

Find A Flood Damage Cleaning Service Here

Cleaning workers urge Parliament: 'Europe should lead by example'

IJCSA - — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:04:32 GMT

Cleaning workers urge Parliament: 'Europe should lead by example'

Cleaners demonstrated in front of the European Parliament, fed up with night shifts, not feeling safe at work, not getting enough sleep and the difficulty of juggling their working hours with their personal lives.

On Wednesday (June 7), trade unions and workers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and more, gathered in front of the European Parliament to demand better working conditions in the cleaning industry.

To the rhythm of Bob Marley's song "Get up stand up", demonstrators chanted "Justice for cleaners", "Respect for cleaners", and "when we fight, we win".

During the demonstration they handed out yellow fists symbolising the gloves of the cleaners who had gathered there.

Indra is from Indonesia but works in the Netherlands, from where he came by bus with other colleagues who also work in the cleaning industry.

More at source EU Observer

The Importance of Comprehensive Cleaning With a Commercial Janitorial Service for COVID Disinfection

IJCSA - — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:21:00 GMT

The Importance of Comprehensive Cleaning With a Commercial Janitorial Service for COVID Disinfection

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses must take extra precautions to protect their employees and customers. Regular cleaning and disinfection have become a necessary requirement to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

However, not all cleaning services provide the same level of protection against the virus. That’s why it’s essential to invest in Covid Cleaning Services Here’s a look at the importance of comprehensive cleaning to combat the continuing threat of COVID.

More at source: Boss Magazine

Find A Covid Cleaning Service Here

1. COVID-19 continues to be a serious concern.

It is unclear when the threat of COVID will be entirely solved, but it is essential for businesses to take proactive measures to continue to protect their employees, customers, and the general public. One way to do this is by partnering with a commercial janitorial service that specializes in COVID disinfection. A comprehensive cleaning regimen that includes deep cleaning and sanitizing high-traffic areas, as well as frequently touched surfaces, can help to eliminate the spread of the virus and provide a safe environment for everyone.

Protect Your Family. Protect Your Business

IJCSA - — Mon, 22 May 2023 12:53:03 GMT

The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association is proud to announce three new insurance programs for our members. They are janitorial business insurance, surety bonds, and group health insurance for yourself and your employees.

For the group health insurance, we have partnered with Allstate Benefits to provide medical coverage as well as dental and vision benefits for members with at least 2 employees in most states (although 100 employees are required in New York). They have several options for coverage as well as some fantastic rates.

Our janitorial business insurance is now through Thimble. They offer great coverage without the surprise fees that our previous vendor had.

We have also partnered with the Bond Exchange to help our members find affordable surety bonds when you need them. You can pay for your bond upfront and save money or, if you prefer, they also offer low monthly payments to fit almost any budget.

Learn more about these programs @ https://ijcsa.org/insurance

US Department of Labor recovers more than $114K in back wages, damages for 100 employees denied overtime by Orlando-based hotel cleaning agency | U.S. Department of Labor

IJCSA - — Tue, 09 May 2023 16:31:51 GMT

US Department of Labor recovers more than $114K in back wages, damages for 100 employees denied overtime by Orlando-based hotel cleaning agency | U.S. Department of Labor

APDC Cleaning Services Inc. failed to pay workers employed across 4 states

Employer: APDC Cleaning Services Inc.

5824 Precision Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Investigation findings: Investigators with the department’s Wage and Hour Division found that a Florida hotel staffing company failed to combine hours worked by 100 employees at several locations paying them straight-time rates for all hours worked, including overtime hours. By doing so, the employer failed to pay the required time-and-a-half overtime premium for hours over 40 hours in a workweek, a Fair Labor Standards Act violation.

Back Wages and Liquidated Damages:

$57,177 in back overtime wages

$57,177 in liquidated damages

Quote: “The hard work done by hospitality industry workers allows guests to enjoy their accommodations. Often, they work long hours and deserve to be paid all their legally earned wages, including overtime,” explained Wage and Hour Division District Director Wildalí De Jesús in Orlando, Florida. “When employees work at more than one location, their employers must combine hours worked at all locations to calculate overtime wages properly. The Wage Hour Division is committed to safeguarding workers’ rights to get paid their rightfully earned wages.”

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 14:13:36 GMT

Government JANITORIAL Contractors Indicted in San Antonio for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering

SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment last week charging four members of a San Antonio family with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

One of the country’s largest cleaning services for food processing companies employed more than 100 children in dangerous jobs at 13 meatpacking plants across the country, the U.S. Department of Labor said in early March as it announced over $1.5 million in civil penalties.

The investigation into Packers Sanitation Services Inc., or PSSI, began last summer. Department officials searched three meatpacking plants owned by JBS USA and Turkey Valley Farms in Nebraska and Minnesota, and found 31 underage workers as young as 13. They also searched PSSI’s headquarters in Kieler, Wisconsin. Underage workers were found at plants in eight states.

More at source: Insurance Journal

Tennant Company Expands Ride-on Scrubber Portfolio with Introduction of Two New Scrubbers

IJCSA - — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:53:13 GMT

Tennant Company Expands Ride-on Scrubber Portfolio with Introduction of Two New Scrubbers

Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC), a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions to reinvent how the world cleans, today announced the two newest additions to its ride-on scrubber portfolio: the T681 and T981 scrubbers.

The T681 is a small ride-on scrubber that’s maneuverable for its size but has larger solution and recovery tanks than our existing models, allowing the machine to be more productive by cleaning more square footage in less time. The T681 features intuitive controls that allow for easy operation in medium to large spaces such as retail stores, hospitals and schools. The T981 is a ride-on scrubber that’s easy to operate and maintain, helping customers meet facilities’ cleaning performance needs with easy-to-choose pre-set programs. The T981 is well suited for cleaning light-to-medium dirt in large spaces such as retail, logistics and light industrial applications.

“What these new scrubbers really offer are more choices for the right job,” said Pat Schottler, Vice President, Global Marketing at Tennant Company. “Customers today are looking for the right combination of equipment for their facility—and the ideal mix includes size, application, maneuverability and budget. The T681 and T981 are great options for customers who want the known value of the Tennant experience and are looking for high-quality equipment with simple yet effective scrubber technology—all at a competitive price.”

More at source: Tennant

30 Day Open Enrollment For New Sponsors

IJCSA - — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:49:39 GMT

Join Today!

#Janitorial #Cleaning News: Attention SUPPLIERS! IJCSA is offering open enrollment period for new Sponsors! Join today and put your business in front of our active 2200+ members and their families - https://t.co/TSnYWyh0p4 pic.twitter.com/0ny7mZsxGF
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) March 16, 2023

How antimicrobial coatings can help maintain cleanliness

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:39:51 GMT

How antimicrobial coatings can help maintain cleanliness

The ebb and flow of a hospital setting is ceaselessly dynamic, with patients, visitors and staff making up a high volume of foot traffic travelling through corridors daily. It is no surprise that there is widespread exposure to microorganisms in this environment, and it is a constant struggle for healthcare providers to maintain clean conditions to limit the proliferation of bacteria. Regular cleaning is crucial; however, standard disinfectants retain limited residual activity after application, leaving high touch surfaces vulnerable to contamination through direct contact or airborne droplets.

Enhancing hospital cleanliness

Antimicrobial coatings, like LapisShield by Microban, work as built-in adjuncts to normal cleaning practices, providing long-lasting protection that does not wear away to surfaces such as hospital curtains, countertops, clipboards and equipment. The active ingredient in this example works by disrupting internal enzymes, blocking metabolic pathways, and creating an inhospitable environment to interrupt bacterial reproduction.

More at source: Medical Plastic News

Find A Certified Medical Cleaning Service Here

Home Cleaning Services Market Is Expected To Reach a Value of US$ 13.9 Billion by the End of 2033

IJCSA - — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:28:25 GMT

Home Cleaning Services Market Is Expected To Reach a Value of US$ 13.9 Billion by the End of 2033

Floor Cleaning Services Segment to Generate 34% of the Global Market Revenue in 2023. Growing Demand for Natural Products to Fuel the Market Demand

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Home Cleaning Services market is expected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR between 2023 and 2033, according to Fact.MR. By 2033, the global market for these products is expected to reach US$ 13.9 billion. According to Fact MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the home cleaning service market is rapidly growing and is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years.

The home cleaning services market is being driven by a combination of demographic, economic, as well as cultural factors. As more people move into cities, the demand for home cleaning services increases. Urban dwellers typically have smaller living spaces, busy lifestyles, and higher disposable incomes, which make them more likely to use cleaning services. Hence, the increased urbanization is one of the major factors that is anticipated to boost the growth of the home cleaning services market over the analysis period.

More at source: FACT.MR

Her son was brutally murdered in his Columbus apartment, then his friends received a $9,000 bill for cleanup

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:03:41 GMT

Her son was brutally murdered in his Columbus apartment, then his friends received a $9,000 bill for cleanup

COLUMBUS — After Eric Cavanaugh was murdered in the apartment he shared with his best friends, they were left with a $9,000 crime scene clean-up bill.

It's something Eric's mother says makes no sense.

“It’s mindboggling, it’s nauseating, it’s infuriating,” said Susanne Cavanaugh, Eric's mother.

Eric Cavanaugh graduated from Columbus East High School. His mother says he was full of hopes and dreams like any other 19-year-old.

The Health and Human Services Department on Thursday laid out what will change and will remain the same when the three-year-long Covid public health emergency ends in May.

Health Secretary Xavier Becerra officially informed state governors on Thursday that he is renewing the declaration a final time but plans to let the emergency expire on May 11. The White House had already informed Congress of these plans last week.

HHS officials in a call with reporters laid out what the the public can expect when the emergency ends.

Immediate changes:

People with private health insurance may have to pay for Covid tests, both over the counter and lab, depending on their plan.
Seniors with Medicare Part B will start paying for over-the-counter tests, though the program will cover lab tests.
Hospitals will lose flexibility to expand capacity in response to surges...

More at source: CNBC

Ecolab launches cleaning product line with Home Depot

IJCSA - — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:08:21 GMT

Ecolab launches cleaning product line with Home Depot

The three years of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the United States’ scant public health infrastructure. The federal system’s flaws have been on display, with inconsistent guidelines and lawsuits between federal, state and local governments, all aided by a media environment that is deeply divided by tribalism. The Center for Strategic and International Studies recently put forward a report titled Building the CDC the Country Needs with recommendations for modernizing the agency, but the report is hardly the final word.

On Wednesday's podcast, GovExec Daily’s Adam Butler and Ross Gianfortune discussed what the CDC pandemic response has been and how it could have been executed more effectively.

More at source: Government Executive

‘People aren’t taking this seriously’: experts say US Covid surge is big risk

IJCSA - — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 14:47:19 GMT

‘People aren’t taking this seriously’: experts say US Covid surge is big risk

New Covid hospital admissions are now at the fourth-highest rate of the pandemic, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Covid hospitalizations declined somewhat after the summer wave, but never dropped to the low levels seen after previous spikes, persisting through the fall and rising again with the winter holidays.

“Hospitals are at maximum capacity,” said Brendan Williams, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Health Care Association, of his region’s current rates. “I’m not sure what the trajectory of this thing’s going to be, but I am worried.”

The majority of Covid hospitalizations are among those 65 and older, although the share for children under four roughly doubled in 2022.

In the past week, Covid deaths rose by 44%, from 2,705 in the week ending 4 January to 3,907 in the week ending 11 January.

This is one of the greatest surges of Covid cases in the entire pandemic, according to wastewater analyses of the virus. It’s much lower than the peak in January 2022, but similar to the summer 2022 surge, which was the second biggest.

More at source: The Guardian

China’s COVID-19 Mass Death Toll Isn’t Public. Satellite Images Seem to Show a Lot of People Are Dying

IJCSA - — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:22:04 GMT

China’s COVID-19 Mass Death Toll Isn’t Public. Satellite Images Seem to Show a Lot of People Are Dying

IJCSA - — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 16:21:19 GMT

COVID-19 Virus Found in the Brain: Autopsies Reveal Startling New Information

An analysis of tissue samples from the autopsies of 44 people who died with COVID-19 shows that SAR-CoV-2 virus spread throughout the body—including into the brain—and that it lingered for almost 8 months. The study was published on December 14 in the journal Nature.

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) tested samples from autopsies that were performed from April 2020 to March 2021. They conducted extensive sampling of the nervous system, including the brain, in 11 of the patients.

More at source: Science Tech Daily

Report: 250 million Chinese infected with COVID in first 20 days of December

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 12:24:07 GMT

Report: 250 million Chinese infected with COVID in first 20 days of December

Some 250 million people in China may have been infected with COVID-19 in the first 20 days of December, according to leaked figures from Beijing’s senior health officials reported by US media.

According to the information published by Bloomberg and the Financial Times, 37 million people were estimated to have caught the virus on Tuesday alone, in contrast to official data counting 3,049 cases on that day, and 62,592 symptomatic infections during the first 20 days of this month.

Citing two sources involved in the matter, the Financial Times reported that Sun Yang, a deputy director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, presented the shocking figures to a meeting of China’s National Health Commission (NHC) on Wednesday.

More at source: The Times Of Israel

China’s new covid nightmare could become a global catastrophe

IJCSA - — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:23:35 GMT

China’s new covid nightmare could become a global catastrophe

China has troubled days ahead. Among those 60 years and older, only about 69 percent have received booster shots, and the uptake is even less among those over 80 years old. They are extremely vulnerable to omicron, and reports from China have indicated that a surge of deaths has already started, with crematoriums working around the clock.

Mathematical models predict 1 million or more deaths early next year. China’s government has announced a plan to accelerate vaccination campaigns for the elderly, who have been hesitant to get the shots. For a long while, China has grossly underreported deaths due to covid and probably will continue to do so.

More at source: Washington Post

Of all the groups still threatened by Covid-19 — including the elderly and the immunocompromised — it is pregnant women who seem the most unaware of the risks.

Covid can kill pregnant women and can result in miscarriage, preterm births and stillbirths even when the women have asymptomatic or mild illness. The infection may also affect the baby’s brain development.

Dozens of studies have shown that the Covid vaccine is safe for pregnant women. Immunization of the mother also passes along protective antibodies to her fetus.

Yet only 70 percent of women have completed the primary vaccination series for Covid before or during pregnancy, meaning that roughly 30 percent of pregnant women have not had this basic protection.

More at source: New York Times

The U.S. is ‘certainly’ still in a Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Fauci says

IJCSA - — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:26:41 GMT

The U.S. is ‘certainly’ still in a Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Fauci says

The nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said the U.S. is “certainly” still in the middle of a Covid-19 pandemic and he is “very troubled” by the divisive state of American politics.

“As a public health official, I don’t want to see anyone suffer and die from Covid,” he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “I don’t care if you’re a far-right Republican or a far-left Democrat, everybody deserves to have the safety of good public health and that’s not happening.”

Fauci said between 300 and 400 people are still dying from Covid every day, and the uptake of the latest vaccine booster has been less than 15%

More at source: CNBC

Happy Thanksgiving! - Office Closed Today

IJCSA - — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:54:48 GMT

From your Friends & Staff at IJCSA we would like to wish all our Members and families celebrating Thanksgiving a wonderful day! Enjoy! The office will be closed today & tomorrow and reopening on Monday 11/28 - All online services remain OPEN

Repeat COVID Infections Could Be Deadly, Study Says

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:34:03 GMT

Repeat COVID Infections Could Be Deadly, Study Says

Repeat COVID-19 infections could be deadly or lead to severe health consequences including organ failure, a new study has revealed.

Research conducted by Washington University’s School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System found that people who have been infected with the virus numerous times were twice as likely to die.

Those same individuals were also three times more likely to be hospitalized during their initial illness for a longer term than those who only had it once, Nature Medicine revealed in an article published on Thursday.

More at source: Greek Reporter

Thanksgiving is two weeks away. Get your updated Covid-19 shot now, health officials warn

IJCSA - — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:19:06 GMT

Our third American COVID winter is at hand. In the months ahead—with students back in school, temperatures dropping, social life moving indoors, and holiday travel commencing—not to mention the emergence of new and increasingly immune-evasive variants—we can count on another seasonal surge of infections and deaths.

With the experience of last year’s record-breaking Omicron wave, American leaders should now—at least, in theory—be very well equipped to deal with what’s ahead. Health agencies should be preparing clear, actionable messages on COVID measures for the holiday season. Masks, COVID tests, and treatments..

More at source: Time

World Faces New Threats From Fast-Mutating Omicron Variants

IJCSA - — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:06:43 GMT

World Faces New Threats From Fast-Mutating Omicron Variants

Since emerging in late 2021, the highly transmissible omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2 has splintered into a dazzling array of subvariants that are now driving fresh waves of Covid-19 cases around the world. The proliferation of such a diversity of variants is unprecedented, and pits numerous hyper-mutated iterations against each other in a race for global dominance.

That’s turbo-charged Covid, making it one of the fastest-spreading diseases known to humanity, and further challenging pandemic-mitigation efforts in a global population already weary of frequent booster shots, testing and masking

Continue reading at Bloomberg

More info at CDC

Discuss this article here

Strokes, heart attacks, sudden deaths: Does America understand the long-term risks of catching COVID?

IJCSA - — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 11:34:42 GMT

Strokes, heart attacks, sudden deaths: Does America understand the long-term risks of catching COVID?

A 35-year-old acquaintance drops dead from a hemorrhagic stroke. A friend in her 40s, and another in his 70s, experience recurrent spells of extreme dizziness, their hearts pounding in their chests when they stand. A 21-year-old student with no prior medical history is admitted to the ICU with heart failure, while a 48-year-old avid tennis player, previously healthy, suddenly suffers a heart attack. A relative is diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the protective sac surrounding the heart.

Is COVID the reason?

This Could Be the Only Way to Beat COVID for Good

Broadly effective nasal vaccines that offer long-term immunity. Universal vaccines that should work against present and future variants. Or, at least, faster ways of rolling out new boosters.

There are several nasal vaccines in development, including one at the University of Iowa—and around a dozen major universal vaccines in development, too. The two leading efforts are at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations in Norway and the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased its Covid-19 guidance on Thursday, saying the virus now poses a much lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death compared to earlier in the pandemic.

The CDC no longer recommends testing people in schools who don’t have Covid symptoms, its previous strategy to catch possible infections and head off outbreaks. But such screening is still recommended in certain high risk settings such as nursing homes, prisons and homeless shelters.

And people who aren’t vaccinated no longer need to quarantine if they have been exposed to Covid, according to the new CDC guidance. Instead, public health officials now recommend that these individuals wear a mask for 10 days and get tested on day five.

More at source: CNBC

Scientists Fear We’re Not Ready for Nightmare New COVID Variant

IJCSA - — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:07:17 GMT

Scientists Fear We’re Not Ready for Nightmare New COVID Variant

How fast that wave comes, and how bad it gets, probably comes down to a genetic competition between different mutations of the novel coronavirus. If we get lucky, a mild form of the virus wins out—and buys us time to prepare for a worse form of the virus that’s almost certainly coming, sooner or later.

If we’re unlucky, that worse one comes sooner.

The scientific community is taking nothing for granted. “What we have learned from this pandemic is to expect the unexpected,” Cindy Prins, a University of Florida epidemiologist, told The Daily Beast.

BA.5, an offshoot of the basic Omicron variant, was still dominant when epidemiologists began looking for the version of COVID that might come after BA.5. They’ve identified two main possibilities.

More at the source: Daily Beast

Tokyo's daily COVID cases to exceed 40,000 in record high -FNN, citing govt sources

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:58:12 GMT

Tokyo's daily COVID cases to exceed 40,000 in record high -FNN, citing govt sources

More at source: Guardian

Top NY Doctor: New COVID Wave Is Starting, With the ‘Worst Version' of Omicron

IJCSA - — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:53:11 GMT

Top NY Doctor: New COVID Wave Is Starting, With the ‘Worst Version' of Omicron

A new COVID wave appears to be starting in New York City, fueled by the strongest subvariant of the omicron strain of coronavirus to date, one of the city's top epidemiologists said Tuesday.

The BA.5 subvariant, first seen in South Africa and then Portugal, is considered by some experts to be the "worst version" of omicron seen yet, given its apparent capacity to escape prior immunity and transmit more readily.

Dr. Jay Varma, a Weill Cornell epidemiologist and formerly then-mayor Bill de Blasio's top public health advisor during the pandemic, said infections appear to have stabilized at a high level in the city, rather than dropping.

"The decline of reported #COVID19 cases in NYC has stopped. Reported cases are at a high plateau, which means actual transmission is very high when you account for the >20x under-counting. This is likely the beginning of a BA.5 wave," Varma tweeted.

More at Source: NBCNY

Nearly 1 in 5 adults who had COVID have lingering symptoms - U.S. study

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:10:13 GMT

Nearly 1 in 5 adults who had COVID have lingering symptoms - U.S. study

June 22 (Reuters) - Nearly 1 in 5 American adults who reported having COVID-19 in the past are still having symptoms of long COVID, according to survey data collected in the first two weeks of June, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.

Overall, 1 in 13 adults in the United States have long COVID symptoms lasting for three months or more after first contracting the disease, and which they did not have before the infection, the data showed...

More at source: Reuters

FLORIDA COVID-19 CASES CLIMB AS NEW VARIANTS SPREAD

IJCSA - — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:54:17 GMT

FLORIDA COVID-19 CASES CLIMB AS NEW VARIANTS SPREAD

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With COVID-19 cases in the Tampa Bay area climbing again, 8 On Your Side looked into what’s driving the spike and whether the old treatments still work.

You might feel like more people around you are getting coronavirus. It’s not in your head.

Data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows an uptick. Experts say new sub-variants of Omicron are spreading around the state. Most of those in the Tampa Bay area are in a neighborhood with levels of COVID-19.

More at source: WFLA

Florida COVID-19 cases climb as new variants spread

IJCSA - — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 12:46:51 GMT

Florida COVID-19 cases climb as new variants spread

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With COVID-19 cases in the Tampa Bay area climbing again, 8 On Your Side looked into what’s driving the spike and whether the old treatments still work.

You might feel like more people around you are getting coronavirus. It’s not in your head.

More at source: WFLA

Find A Certified Cleaning Service Here

CDC raises monkeypox alert as global cases surpass 1,000

IJCSA - — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 11:06:03 GMT

CDC raises monkeypox alert as global cases surpass 1,000

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stepped up its monkeypox guidance, urging people to take extra precautions as global cases of the virus surpass 1,000.

The CDC ramped up its alert to LEVEL 2 on Monday, encouraging people to “practice enhanced precautions” to stem the outbreak, which has spread to 29 nonendemic countries in the past month. The highest level alert — level 3 — would caution against nonessential travel.

While the public health body said the risk to the general public remains low, the heightened alert encourages people to avoid close contact with sick people, including those with skin or genital lesions, as well as sick or dead animals. It also urges those displaying symptoms of the virus, such as an unexplained rash and lesions, to avoid contact with others and to reach out to their health-care provider for guidance.

The CDC originally recommended on its website that travelers wear face masks to help prevent the spread of monkeypox but later removed it.

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, with symptoms including rashes, fever, headaches, muscle ache, swelling and backpain.

It is typically endemic to Central and West African countries, but the recent outbreak across North America, Europe and Australia has confounded health professionals and raised fears of community spread.

More at source: CNBC

More Info at CDC

Indoor Mask Mandate In Los Angeles Will Return This Month If Covid Hospitalization Increases

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 10:57:59 GMT

Indoor Mask Mandate In Los Angeles Will Return This Month If Covid Hospitalization INCREASES

The 1 million mark is a stark reminder of the staggering grief and loss caused by the pandemic even as the threat posed by the virus wanes in the minds of many people. It represents about one death for every 327 Americans, or more than the entire population of San Francisco or Seattle.

More at source: Reuters

NYC Raises COVID Alert Level as New Cases Surpass Key Threshold

IJCSA - — Mon, 02 May 2022 21:32:18 GMT

NYC Raises COVID Alert Level as New Cases Surpass Key Threshold

New York City raised its COVID alert level to medium on Monday as cases surpassed a rate of 200 per 100,000 people in the five boroughs, health officials said. It marks the first time the health department has adjusted that level since debuting the new system under Mayor Eric Adams' administration earlier this year.

Manhattan and Staten Island, respectively, have the highest transmission rates per 100,000 residents, the latest health data show, but it's the first borough that is having a disproportionate impact on the city's overall rolling new case rate.

Those two boroughs are also now classified as "medium" COVID alert counties by the CDC. And while the new case rates are clearly ascending, they remain well below what they were during omicron's peak surge in January.

More at source: NBC New York

UCLA study, limited understanding of the causes of long COVID makes treating the condition challenging

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 22:19:48 GMT

UCLA study, limited understanding of the causes of long COVID makes treating the condition challenging

A possible contributor of Long COVID -19 may actually be an abnormally suppressed immune system, and not a hyperactive one, according to a UCLA- led research group. The study, recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

It contradicts what scientists previously believed, which was that an overactive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, often referred to as a "cytokine storm," was the root cause of the perplexing syndrome. Health experts told Fox News this "cytokine storm" is an over-reactive inflammatory response in the infected person that can potentially cause damage to lungs and other organs, possibly creating severe illness or even death....

More at source: Fox News

Discuss The Article Here

About 30 percent of COVID patients develop 'Long COVID,' research finds

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:28:02 GMT

About 30 percent of COVID patients develop 'Long COVID,' research finds

Of the 309 people with long COVID studied, the most persistent symptoms were fatigue and shortness of breath (31% and 15%, respectively) in hospitalized persons, and loss of sense of smell (16%) in outpatients.

The incidence and risk factors of Long COVID, and even how to define the syndrome, have remained unclear throughout the pandemic. The researchers sought evaluate its association with demographics and clinical characteristics in order to devise the most effective treatments.

The UCLA researchers studied 1,038 people who were enrolled in the UCLA COVID Ambulatory Program between April 2020 and February 2021. Of those, 309 developed Long COVID. A person was determined to have the syndrome if they reported persistent symptoms on questionnaires 60 or 90 days after infection or hospitalization.

More at source: Science Daily

Happy Easter! Offices closed April 17th & 18th

IJCSA - — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 13:01:29 GMT

Happy Easter! IJCSA Offices will be closed April 17th & 18th

The spirit of Easter is all about hope, love, and joyful living. Your staff and friends at IJCSA are wishing all members and their families have a blessed day!

U.S. renews COVID-19 public health emergency

IJCSA - — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:14:04 GMT

U.S. renews COVID-19 public health emergency

The United States on Wednesday renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, allowing millions of Americans to keep getting free tests, vaccines and treatments for at least three more months.

The public health emergency was initially declared in January 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic began. It has been renewed each quarter since and was due to expire on April 16.

IJCSA - — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:59:54 GMT

Shanghai starts China's biggest COVID-19 lockdown in 2 years

The citywide lockdown that will be conducted in two phases will be China’s most extensive since the central city of Wuhan, where the virus was first detected in late 2019, confined its 11 million people to their homes for 76 days in early 2020. Millions more have been kept in lockdown since then.

Shanghai's Pudong financial district and nearby areas will be locked down from Monday to Friday as mass testing gets underway, the local government said. In the second phase of the lockdown, the vast downtown area west of the Huangpu River that divides the city will start its own five-day lockdown Friday.

Residents will be required to stay home and deliveries will be left at checkpoints to ensure there is no contact with the outside world. Offices and all businesses not considered essential will be closed and public transport suspended.

More at source: Yahoo News

Long COVID study indicates “something concerning is happening”

IJCSA - — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:34:51 GMT

Long COVID study indicates “something concerning is happening”

Two new studies are reporting on an ongoing long COVID research project investigating the persistent effects of COVID-19 on cognition in the months after acute disease. The University of Cambridge-led research found many long COVID patients are experiencing significant and measurable memory or concentration impairments even after mild illness.

“Long COVID has received very little attention politically or medically,” said Lucy Cheke, senior author on the new studies. “It urgently needs to be taken more seriously, and cognitive issues are an important part of this. When politicians talk about ‘Living with COVID’ – that is, unmitigated infection, this is something they ignore.”

More at source: News Atlas Health

WHAT DO FORENSIC CLEANERS DO?

IJCSA - — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:48:12 GMT

WHAT DO FORENSIC CLEANERS DO?

Forensic cleaners are employed by a variety of different organisations, including businesses, hospitals, and government agencies. They typically work on crime scenes, accident scenes, and other areas where there is a high potential for biohazards. Forensic cleaners are also known as Trauma cleaners, Biohazard cleaners or hygiene technicians.

There are three main types of forensic cleaning:

remediation
decontamination, and
disinfection.

More at source: INSC

Certify Your Business Here

What rising Covid-19 infections in the UK and Europe could mean for the US

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:41:53 GMT

What rising Covid-19 infections in the UK and Europe could mean for the US

(CNN)Two weeks after the United Kingdom dropped its last remaining Covid-19 mitigation measure -- a requirement that people who test positive for the virus isolate for five days -- the country is seeing cases and hospitalizations climb once again.

Covid-19 cases were up 48% in the UK last week compared with the week before. Hospitalizations were up 17% over the same period.

The country's daily case rate -- about 55,000 a day -- is still less than a third of the Omicron peak, but cases are rising as fast as they were falling just two weeks earlier, when the country removed pandemic-related restrictions.

More at source: CNN

Two years on, COVID-19 pandemic ‘far from over’

IJCSA - — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 12:55:17 GMT

Two years on, COVID-19 pandemic ‘far from over’

Deaths continue

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Dr Tedros reminded the world that many countries in Asia and the Pacific are currently facing surges of cases and deaths.

“The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed”, he said.

COVID-19 vaccinations are being administered to 15-18 year olds in Rajasthan, India.

Avoid ‘two-tier recovery from COVID-19’

The UN Secretary-General issued a statement on Wednesday supporting the WHO chief’s assessment, that it would be ‘a grave mistake’ to think the virus was now in the rear-view mirror.

In a statement published on Wednesday, António Guterres reiterated that the distribution of vaccines remains “scandalously unequal”.

“Manufacturers are producing 1.5 billion doses per month, but nearly three billion people are still waiting for their first shot”, he highlighted.

The UN chief blamed this “failure” on policy and budgetary decisions that prioritize the health of people in wealthy countries, over the health of people in poor countries.

“This is a moral indictment of our world. It is also a recipe for more variants, more lockdowns and more sorrow and sacrifice in every country. Our world cannot afford a two-tier recovery from COVID-19”, he said.

More at the source: United Nations

Even mild Covid is linked to brain damage, scans show

IJCSA - — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 22:40:01 GMT

Even mild Covid is linked to brain damage, scans show

During at least the first few months following a coronavirus infection, even mild cases of Covid-19 are associated with subtle tissue damage and accelerated losses in brain regions tied to the sense of smell, as well as a small loss in the brain’s overall volume, a new British study finds. Having mild Covid is also associated with a cognitive function deficit.

These are the striking findings of the new study led by University of Oxford investigators, one that leading Covid researchers consider particularly important because it is the first study of the disease’s potential impact on the brain that is based on brain scans taken both before and after participants contracted the coronavirus.

“This study design overcomes some of the major limitations of most brain-related studies of Covid-19 to date, which rely on analysis and interpretation at a single time point in people who had Covid-19,” said Dr. Serena S. Spudich, a neurologist at the Yale University School of Medicine, who was not involved in the research.

More at source: NBC

Find A Janitorial Service Here

Cleaning Products Market Expected To Rise By 4.1% by 2030

IJCSA - — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:09:06 GMT

The U.S. cleaning products market was valued at $1,957.9 million in 2020, and is projected reach $2,898.5 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.1% from 2021 to 2030

Wide array of products including brooms, brush, mops, rags, sponge, and others are collectively referred to as cleaning products. These products are utilized majorly by households as well as commercial purposes in the U.S. The increase in number of households in the U.S. since last decade is expected to proliferate the cleaning products market all across the country. Increase in GDP, rise in population, and surge in number of new households per year in the U.S. are few of the major factors that support the increase in demand for cleaning products in the country. Furthermore, commercial consumers comprise offices, schools, universities, hospitals, and others.

Economic upsurge and rise in demand among commercial consumers (retail sector, public institutions, hospitals, and others) fuel the growth of the cleaning products market. Moreover, increased concerns of health and safety and hygiene consciousness are other factors that drive the growth of the market. Increase in number of working women and investment in real estate industry are anticipated to generate potential business opportunities for the industry in near future. However, increased competition is a major challenge for the market players.

The U.S. cleaning products market is segmented into product type, and distribution channel. By product type, the market is classified into brooms, mops, brush, and others. By distribution channel, the market is divided into dollar stores, big box retailers, grocery stores, supermarket, and others (online retailers & B2B sellers). By country, the market is analyzed across the U.S. The state-wise analysis of the market is included in the report.

More at source: Business Wire

Discuss This Article Here

More Cleaning & Janitorial News Here

What a janitor in L.A. does in a workday

IJCSA - — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:06:05 GMT

What a janitor in L.A. does in a workday

Great Article!!

How I spend the majority of my day: A janitor is in charge of keeping the workplace clean, organized and disinfected. Throughout the week, I am responsible for: cleaning the interior of buildings, including floors, carpet, rugs, windows and walls; disinfecting commonly used items like desks, door handles, office tools and phones; maintaining cleaning inventory, placing orders for new products when needed; cleaning bathroom stalls and sinks; and emptying trash and recycling bins.

Right now, the need for more training opportunities in the janitorial and other low-wage industries is especially important. We have been shouldering the burden of preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Right now, I’m part of a nonprofit organization called Building Skills Partnership, which offers me free training opportunities on Infectious Disease Certification. I learn information on diseases janitors could be exposed to through viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites, as well as how to best protect myself and the office building communities I serve. These classes help me a lot, because I do not want to get sick and I do not want to get my children sick from the germs I encounter by keeping buildings clean.

More at source: Washington Post

Covid-19 cases: Omicron caused more deaths than Delta in US, says report

IJCSA - — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 14:42:22 GMT

Covid-19 cases: Omicron caused more deaths than Delta in US, says report

Since November 24 last year, when South Africa first reported the Omicron variant to the World Health Organization, the United States has confirmed more than 30,163,600 new infections with more than 154,750 new deaths, the daily reported on Saturday.

By comparison, from August 1 to October 31 in 2021, a similar duration covering the worst of the Delta surge in the United States, the country confirmed 10,917,590 new infections with 132,616 new deaths, it said.

The death toll during the Omicron wave is about 17 per cent higher than that in the equivalent-length Delta period.

The death toll underscored "the country's continuing vulnerability," the report said, adding "when the number of infections is as astronomical as 30 million, even a tiny death rate will mean a catastrophic death count."

More at source: Hindustan Times

Find A Professional Certified Janitorial Service Here

Penn Manor, two other school districts employ student custodians to address staffing shortages

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:53:32 GMT

Penn Manor, two other school districts employ student custodians to address staffing shortages

A few Lancaster County school districts found a new way around continuing staffing shortages across most occupations and it involves hiring students.

Penn Manor School District recently joined at least two other school districts – Donegal and Warwick – in hiring student custodians to assist their full-time janitorial staff after school.

More than a dozen students clocked in for their first day cleaning up Penn Manor High School at 3 p.m. Jan. 24. The board approved these new hires at its Monday board meeting.

“It’s definitely a big help,” said district business manager Chris Johnston.

The 14 students are assigned to a full-time custodian in groups of three or four for a three hour shift, Johnston said. They come every day that they’re not involved in another after-school activity.

They clean classrooms, hallways, bathrooms and stairwells – everything a full-time custodian does during their usual 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift. The only thing they can’t do, Johnston added, is operate equipment like the high school’s floor-scrubbing machine.

All their hard work is already making a difference, Johnston said.

More at source: Lancaster Online

Find A Carpet Cleaning Service Here

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services Market to register a growth of USD 2.13 billion at a CAGR of 4.23% | Increasing Construction Activities is a Key Driver |

IJCSA - — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 13:15:25 GMT

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The carpet and upholstery cleaning services market is estimated to grow by USD 2.13 billion from 2020 to 2025, and the market's growth is anticipated to accelerate at a CAGR of 4.23%.

Factors such as the growth in the global construction industry and strategic partnerships among the vendors are supporting the carpet and upholstery cleaning services market growth positively.

Our research report on "Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services Market by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025" has extensively covered factors influencing the parent market growth potential in the coming years, which will determine the levels of growth of the market share during the forecast period.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services Market Report Key Highlights

Estimated year-on-year growth rate in 2021: 3.90%
Key market segments: End-user (commercial and residential) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA).
Key Consumer Region & contribution: North America at 46%

More at source: Longview News Journal

251 Million Americans Vaccinated

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 12:57:07 GMT

As of February 7, 2022, 251.2 million people have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. Of those, 212.9 million are fully vaccinated. More than 90 million people have received a COVID-19 booster dose.

To find a vaccine or booster near you, see http://vaccines.gov.

More at source: CDC

Do you still need a mask? Here's how the CDC determines if you should wear one

IJCSA - — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 12:44:14 GMT

Do you still need a mask? Here's how the CDC determines if you should wear one

As Covid cases and related hospitalizations fall nationwide, Americans — exhausted by two years of pandemic — are increasingly asking when masks can come off indoors.

"Not yet," says both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many infectious disease experts.

Last summer, the CDC recommended indoor masking for communities logging either an average of 50 Covid cases per 100,000 residents or a test positivity rate of at least 8 percent.

That guidance has not changed. And as of Thursday, 99.9 percent of U.S. counties met the criteria for indoor masking.

More at source: NBC

Surge of child COVID cases leads to rising dangerous inflammatory disease:

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 13:16:00 GMT

Surge of child COVID cases leads to rising dangerous inflammatory disease:

Although overall child COVID-19 case counts are on their way down in the United States, the January numbers were 3.5 times higher with the omicron variant than what was seen with the previous delta surge, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The increase in cases has resulted in more pediatric hospitalizations and the rise of a dangerous inflammatory disorder called MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. MISC-C is a condition leading to inflammation in the body affecting organs like the heart and lungs, occurs about four weeks after infection and can cause high fever, rash, and in some children, other serious health outcomes.

It can affect healthy children and one out of every 1,000 kids who contracts COVID will experience MIS-C.

More at source: USA Today

This map is the key to when US might start easing Covid-19 restrictions

IJCSA - — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:48:15 GMT

This map is the key to when US might start easing Covid-19 restrictions

These categories, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are based on county-level data on the number of new cases per 100,000 people and the test positivity rate during the past seven days.

Recent updates:

The County View tab now displays booster dose data at the state level.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness tab now includes a new data source, Protect, which includes data for people ages 12-17 years old.
The Vaccine Equity tab now displays national data on booster dose uptake by race/ethnicity among the booster-eligible adult population.
The Hospitalizations by Vaccination Status tab was updated to include additional figures that display data on persons with additional or booster doses.

But California's Palo Alto Unified School District—located in Silicon Valley—opted to turn to parents for help keeping their schools open.

More at source: Newsweek

Supreme Court blocks Biden Covid vaccine mandate for businesses, allows health-care worker rule

IJCSA - — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:39:57 GMT

Supreme Court blocks Biden Covid vaccine mandate for businesses, allows health-care worker rule

The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked the Biden administration from enforcing its sweeping vaccine-or-test requirements for large private companies, but allowed a vaccine mandate to stand for medical facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid payments.

The rulings came three days after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s emergency measure for businesses started to take effect.

The mandate required that workers at businesses with 100 or more employees get vaccinated or submit a negative Covid test weekly to enter the workplace. It also required unvaccinated workers to wear masks indoors at work.

“Although Congress has indisputably given OSHA the power to regulate occupational dangers, it has not given that agency the power to regulate public health more broadly,” the court wrote in an unsigned opinion.

“Requiring the vaccination of 84 million Americans, selected simply because they work for employers with more than 100 employees, certainly falls in the latter category,” the court wrote.

More at source: CNBC

U.S. reports 1.35 million COVID-19 cases in a day, shattering global record

IJCSA - — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:29:31 GMT

U.S. reports 1.35 million COVID-19 cases in a day, shattering global record

The record in new cases came the same day as the nation saw the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients also hit an all-time high, having doubled in three weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

There were more than 136,604 people hospitalized with COVID-19, surpassing the record of 132,051 set in January last year.

While the Omicron variant is potentially less severe, health officials have warned that the sheer number of infections could strain hospital systems, some of which have already suspended elective procedures as they struggle to handle the increase in patients and staff shortages.

The surge in cases has disrupted schools, which are struggling with absences of staff, teachers and bus drivers.

More at source: Reuters

U.S. reports over 1 million new daily Covid cases as omicron surges

IJCSA - — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:56:23 GMT

U.S. reports over 1 million new daily Covid cases as omicron surges

The U.S. reported a record number of new Covid cases on Monday, with over 1 million new infections.
A total of 1,082,549 new coronavirus cases were reported Monday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, as the highly infectious omicron variant continues to spread throughout the country and beyond.
The U.S. also has the highest seven-day average of new cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins rankings.

The new daily tally brings the total number of cases confirmed in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic to 56,189,547. In total, the virus has caused 827,748 deaths across the country.

More at source: CNBC

Get Your Company Covid Certificate Here

The U.S. breaks its single-day virus case record for the second day in a row

IJCSA - — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 12:55:02 GMT

The U.S. breaks its single-day virus case record for the second day in a row

With more than 580,000 cases, the United States shattered its own record for new daily coronavirus cases — beating a milestone it already broke just the day before.

Thursday’s count, according to The New York Times’s database, toppled the 488,000 new cases on Wednesday, which was nearly double the highest numbers from last winter. The back-to-back record-breaking days are a growing sign of the virus’s fast spread and come as the world enters its third year of the pandemic.

More at source: NY TIMES

CDC revealed that fully vaccinated people can spread the coronavirus

IJCSA - — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 13:22:31 GMT

CDC revealed that fully vaccinated people can spread the coronavirus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that anyone — regardless of vaccination status — can likely spread the omicron variant of the coronavirus to other people.

“The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown,” according to the CDC. “CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.”

More at source: CDC

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2022

IJCSA - — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 12:55:00 GMT

In this most joyous of seasons we want to extend a very Merry Christmas to all IJCSA Members and their families & staff. Also in this season of reflection and looking forward to a prosperous NEW YEAR 2022!! Offices will be closed through the 27th and reopening on the 28th. For New Years closed on the 31st & open on the 3rd. All automated online services will be open. Be caring! Be kind! Be safe! Enjoy the holidays!

Covid-19 Marches Toward Endemic Status in U.S. as Omicron Spreads

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 12:46:53 GMT

Covid-19 Marches Toward Endemic Status in U.S. as Omicron Spreads

The Omicron variant’s aggressive advance is the latest twist in the course of a disease that public-health experts say is on a path toward becoming endemic in the U.S.

In other words, the Covid-19 pandemic won’t have an end date. Rather, a crisis that engulfed the world within months of the coronavirus’s discovery in China will dissipate in fits and starts into something that feels more like normal over the course of years, infectious-disease experts say.

“I don’t think there’s going to be a day where the whole thing feels over,” said Joshua Schiffer, an associate professor in the vaccine and infectious disease division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

How quickly an endemic, steady-state arrives and how disruptive the virus remains will depend on what level of disease officials and individuals decide to tolerate, the precautions they are willing to adopt, and how the virus evolves.

“It’s a tug of war between society and the virus,” said Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco...

More at source: WSJ

The Omicron Plan: “Circuit breakers” and other short-term strategies to get us through the next wave.

IJCSA - — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:29:59 GMT

The Omicron Plan: “Circuit breakers” and other short-term strategies to get us through the next wave.

Are we back to square one? Unlikely. We are seeing an alarming increase in case counts, but I’ve yet to see data suggesting that our vaccines fail to provide protection against severe disease which, fortunately, matches my recent frontline experience. Due to high vaccination rates here in Massachusetts, mostly we’ve been seeing mild cases, with some serious cases among the unvaccinated.

But it’s a very dangerous time. Because many parts of the country remain under-vaccinated, Omicron may stretch hospitals well beyond their limits. That could mean a horror show in some places, especially where hospitals are already full of patients receiving care for “usual” (non-Covid) conditions.

More at source: Inside Medicine

Omicron variant has now been detected in 30 U.S. states, with over 150 confirmed cases

IJCSA - — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 13:48:05 GMT

Omicron variant has now been detected in 30 U.S. states, with over 150 confirmed cases.

The Omicron variant is continuing its spread across the U.S., now being confirmed over 150 times in 30 U.S. states.

Over the weekend, five U.S. states - Idaho, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Tennessee - joined the growing list of states to detect the variant within its borders.

Texas also took over as the nation's leader in sequenced cases, overtaking New York, with 36 cases sequenced.

In total, 159 cases of Omicron have been confirmed by U.S. health officials, though the total number of cases nationwide is much higher, including 43 cases reported by the CDC on Saturday.

In the wake of this new threat, health officials are urging Americans to receive COVID-19 booster shots, as initial data is showing the new variant has the ability to evade protection provided by the vaccines.

The nation also approaches another dark milestone in the pandemic, as it will likely eclipse 800,000 deaths caused by the virus at some point this week.

An analysis by the New York Times finds that Americans over the age of 65 have been struck especially hard by the virus, with one of every 100 people in the age group succumbing to Covid.

For the first time in two months, the US is averaging more than 100,000 new Covid-19 cases each day, shortly after millions of Americans traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The seven-day moving average of new cases was 121,437 as of Saturday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Prior to this week, the US last topped the 100,000-cases-a-day mark in early October.

Also on the rise is the number of Covid-19 deaths, with a seven-day average of 1,651 people dying from the virus each day as of Saturday, the JHU data showed. Average daily deaths haven't been this high in more than a month.

More at source: CNN

Omicron Covid variant detected in 5 U.S. states as scientists investigate heavily mutated strain

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:41:36 GMT

Omicron Covid variant detected in 5 U.S. states as scientists investigate heavily mutated strain

At least five U.S. states have now confirmed cases of the omicron variant of the virus that causes Covid-19, as scientists investigate whether the heavily mutated strain is more infectious and virulent.

At least 9 cases were confirmed on Thursday in Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Hawaii and California. California confirmed the first U.S. case of omicron on Wednesday, bringing the total number of reported cases so far to 10.

Minnesota public health authorities confirmed Thursday morning the second U.S. case of omicron, in a resident who recently returned from New York City, the state’s department of health said.

The man, who was fully vaccinated and has since recovered, traveled to New York City to attend the Anime NYC 2021 convention at the Javits Center Nov. 19-21, the department said in a statement. He developed symptoms shortly after returning and tested positive on Nov. 22.

More at source: CNBC

Savings With New Sponsor MINUTEWORX

IJCSA - — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:18:29 GMT

MINUTEWORX - "MinuteWorx - A 100% free Time and Attendance punch clock app for your Janitors! IJCSA Members: Track your teams with smart phone time clocks, shift scheduling, GEO Tracking, trip logs, expense tracking, as well as Job Costing to calculate labor for each of your Customers. First 2 Users Free Forever - Free 30 Day Trial - No Credit Card Required - Cancel Any Time - IJCSA Member Discount: 10% - Use Promo Code ijcsa22 or click here

Omicron variant poses ‘very high’ global risk, ‘unprecedented number of spike mutations’: WHO

IJCSA - — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 13:30:33 GMT

The COVID-19 omicron variant has an "unprecedented number of spike mutations" and poses a "very high" global risk, the World Health Organization said Monday.

Because of fears that the new variant has the potential to be more resistant to the protection offered by vaccines, there are growing concerns around the world that the pandemic and associated lockdown restrictions will persist for far longer than hoped.

"The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern omicron is assessed as very high," the WHO said, according to Reuters. The health body said countries should make sure that there are "mitigation plans in place" to deal with an increase in new cases. Scientists are working to determine how effective vaccines are in preventing infections with the new variant.

More at source: FOX

Fears heavily mutated Covid variant 'may evade vaccine protection'

IJCSA - — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 15:14:03 GMT

Concern about a new, heavily mutated variant of coronavirus first detected in southern Africa, has led the UK to restrict travelled to six African countries - South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

The variant, known as B.1.1.529, is the most heavily mutated version discovered so far - and it has such a long list of mutations that it was described by one scientist as "horrific". South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana have identified just 59 cases of the variant, so far, while Israeli media also reports one case has been identified from a traveller. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps paid tribute to South Africa's fast and transparent response, and said of the UK's decision to restrict travel: "This is a safety-first approach."

More at source: BBC

Find Your Local Certified IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 14:15:29 GMT

International #Janitorial #Cleaning Services Association: Still time to get your carpets and rugs cleaned before the holidays! Trust the Certified Pros at IJCSA! Free estimates - https://t.co/lmiTNnWfBp pic.twitter.com/FO95xrl74N
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) November 23, 2021

COVID-19 deaths in 2021 have surpassed last year's death toll, CDC data shows: Updates

IJCSA - — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 13:27:18 GMT

COVID-19 has killed more people in 2021 than 2020, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows.

The disease was reported as the underlying cause of death or a contributing cause of death for an estimated 377,883 people in 2020, accounting for 11.3% of deaths, according to the CDC.

As of late Sunday, 770,461 people total have died as a result of the coronavirus, CDC data says. That means around 14,700 more people have died in 2021 than last year due to COVID-19 — and there's still more than a month left in the year for that number to grow.

The CDC figures only account for reported deaths, and it's likely that more people died in 2020 due to COVID-19 than the recorded number; 2020 coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. weren’t tracked until February...

More at source: USA Today

Cleaning Services Market Expected to Reach $111,498.8 Billion by 2030

IJCSA - — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:09:35 GMT

The growth of cleaning services market can be attributed to growing acceptance of these services as a result of the economic upturn, increasing discretionary income, and the rise in dual-income households, supporting market expansion. Furthermore, expansion in the commercial sector and real estate investment are expected to fuel demand for various cleaning services.

However, high competition, particularly in industrialized countries, is one of the key reasons limiting market growth. On the contrary, rapid urbanization has had a favorable impact on the cleaning services business, albeit having a detrimental impact on the environment due to infrastructure strain. Many governmental garbage management operations, such as mobile applications for smart cities, are influencing the cleaning services market. The market for cleaning services is likely to continue to develop as public awareness of the benefits of a green and healthy environment grows, thereby creating opportunities for the global cleaning services market growth...

More at source: EIN

IJCSA Members - InfinitiHR Brochure Tired of your payroll service provider.pdf

New Sponsor Infiniti HR - Save 25%

IJCSA - — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:44:13 GMT

INFINITI HR provides the most cost-effective customizable human resource solutions for small and mid-size businesses nationwide. Leverage the resources of a national HR firm comprised of independent and imaginative partners that work to serve your purpose and improve your return on human capital. INFINITI HR is in all 50 states, on-site when you need us, providing innovative solutions designed to protect your greatest assets.

For More Info Contact:

Jannette Sahagun Jannette@Infinitihr.com | 805.585.7208

U.S. COVID cases start to rise again as the holidays approach

IJCSA - — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:02:38 GMT

Growing outbreaks in the Midwest and Northeast are most responsible for pushing up the national numbers, and that comes after many weeks of high case counts and stress on states in the Mountain West where some hospitals are dealing with crisis levels of patients.

"There are still large swaths of the country under-immunized and even among states that are relatively well-vaccinated, like Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota and Vermont, we're seeing sustained transmission," says Rutherford.

The uptick in cases hasn't yet translated into a national spike in new hospital admissions, which tend to trail a rise in infections by several weeks. However, the grim situation in some parts of the West and upper Midwest offers a concerning picture for other states where cases are now climbing.

More at source: NPR

Get Covid Cleaning Certification Here

COVID will be with us for the next several years, says UCSF Medicine chair

IJCSA - — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 15:18:37 GMT

MARTIN: So here we are, well into our second year of this pandemic. And there is not a nationwide surge, but COVID-19 is still spreading. It's affecting daily activities. How should we think about that? I mean, I think that, you know, some people are saying, this is what it's going to be like. This is the new normal.

Listen To Podcast Here

WACHTER: Yeah. I think I'm increasingly in that boat. And to make clear, I don't think that's a good new normal. I'd love us to be in a place where COVID was receded as a part of our lives and we were back to 2019. But I think it's increasingly clear that that's not likely to happen, that this is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. And we're going to be on this roller coaster where cases go up, and then they come down, and then they go up again.

More at source here: NPR

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 13:12:27 GMT

Need a new janitorial service? Is your current service not meeting expectations? No problem! Find your new service here - https://t.co/mH5vUKIQZT - Daily, Weekly, & Biweekly services available. Free estimates! #cleaning #janitorial #carpetcleaning #janitorialservice pic.twitter.com/agzbwlT928
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) November 12, 2021

Happy Veterans Day

IJCSA - — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:17:21 GMT

To our member soldiers out there! To all veterans of all branches and their families! Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all. To all those who have served, and those who continue to serve Happy Veterans Day to our soldiers, both past and present.

Colorado sounds the COVID alarm as FEMA team arrives at hospital

IJCSA - — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:13:21 GMT

Colorado's COVID-19 infections continue to rise faster than any state in the nation, new data shows.

Threat level: At the same time, the number available hospital beds across the state is dwindling — hitting a low of 80 at the start of this week.

What's new: Colorado now says every resident 18 and older is eligible for a COVID-19 booster under federal guidelines because the virus is spreading so rapidly across the state.

The state on Tuesday reactivated the crisis standards of care that prioritize treatment of patients and address staffing liabilities.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency team arrived in Pueblo to assist hospital staff overrun with COVID cases — a first for Colorado in the pandemic.
A special advisory issued by the state in partnership with Denver metro public health agencies urged residents to wear masks in crowded indoor public spaces and get vaccinated.

More at source: Axios

Get Your Medical Cleaning Certification Here

"Don't wait": WHO urges U.S. to pay attention as surging COVID cases flood Europe's hospitals again

IJCSA - — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:13:24 GMT

London — The coronavirus has been resurging across Europe, including in some places where it was thought to be well under control. A top world health official tells CBS News the trend shows that success today does not necessarily mean success tomorrow, and the United States should pay close attention.

Europe has seen a jump of more than 50% in new coronavirus cases over the last month, and the World Health Organization has warned the continent could see another half of a million deaths by February. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Charlie D'Agata spoke with the top official ringing those alarm bells, who told him there's "grave concern" as Europe is once again under siege by COVID-19.

More at source: CBS News

OSHA issues COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS

IJCSA - — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 12:11:56 GMT

The ETS on Vaccination and Testing was officially filed in the Office of the Federal Register on November 4, 2021, and it became effective when it was published on November 5, 2021. Written comments on any aspect of the ETS must be submitted by December 6, 2021 in Docket number OSHA-2021-0007. Written comments on the information collection determination as described in V.K. of the ETS preamble [2021-23643] must be submitted by January 4, 2022 in Docket number OSHA-2021-0008.

Find information on the COVID-19 Healthcare ETS or on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

More at source: OSHA

Discuss Here

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:17:06 GMT

Need a new janitorial service? Is your current service not meeting expectations? No problem! Find your new service here - https://t.co/mH5vUKIQZT - Daily, Weekly, & Biweekly services available. Free estimates! #cleaning #janitorial #carpetcleaning #janitorialservice pic.twitter.com/a7iWaSROYr
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) November 3, 2021

Domestic work is “the work that makes work possible.” But the women who perform it are basically invisible, their stories seldom told. They rarely appear in movies and on television even as background characters; the homes on TV are magically, spotlessly clean. Thus, it’s notable that Stephanie Land’s book Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother’s Will to Survive was made into a new Netflix miniseries — and a popular one at that, with Maid clocking in at number three on Netflix last week.

More at source: Jacobin

Find A Maid Service Here

CDC Updates Covid Data Tracker

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:46:12 GMT

Recent updates:

Updated COVID Data Tracker Vaccinations in the US tab now shows booster dose data by jurisdiction, including the count and % of the fully vaccinated population that has received a booster dose
New How to Use CDC’s COVID Data Tracker video shows users how to use COVID Data Tracker to follow pandemic trends and find key COVID-19 data

More info at CDC

Learn About Safe Green Cleaning Here >>

Cleaning service shutdown devastates franchisees

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:52:43 GMT

After deducting those fees, plus taxes and insurance costs, Jan-Pro of New Mexico would cut a monthly check to Maria and Samuel for their cleaning services, which amounted to about $5,600 in net monthly income earned by the couple for their seven assigned customers.

But when the Guidos unexpectedly closed the doors without warning in June 2020, Maria and her husband were left to fend for themselves to keep their cleaning business alive. They scrambled to retain their customers, offering to continue cleaning the clients’ offices independent of the Jan-Pro brand. But overnight, four of their seven customers — which Maria and Samuel had paid $10,000 to the Guidos to obtain — canceled their contracts.

They weren’t the only ones affected. When the Guidos shut down their operation in the midst of the pandemic, it thrust a network of local franchise operators — most of them Spanish-speaking immigrants like Maria and Samuel — into a prolonged crisis that many are still grappling with today.

IJCSA - — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:00:51 GMT

Professional Certified Office & Janitorial Cleaning Services . | Free Estimates. | Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Services Available. | Call Today! -- Directory Here

Learn About Safe Green Cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 02:17:00 GMT

Professional Certified Office & Janitorial Cleaning Services

IJCSA - — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 11:57:52 GMT

Professional Certified Office & Janitorial Cleaning Services - FIND A JANITORIAL SERVICE HERE | Free Estimates. | Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Services Available. | Call Today!

Learn about green cleaning or find a service at IJCSA

IJCSA - — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 12:03:09 GMT

Learn about green cleaning or find a service at www.ijcsa.org | International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | Green Cleaning Service Directory Here

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 11:45:07 GMT

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service Here >>

Learn about green cleaning or find a service at https://t.co/v1YV4lf0iZ | International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | #cleaning #janitorial #greencleaning pic.twitter.com/uzb7uCqIze
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) October 12, 2021

The summer coronavirus surge has started to ebb, but delta’s danger remains

IJCSA - — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 11:50:17 GMT

The summer surge of U.S. coronavirus cases has started to ebb after exposing the grave danger the virus still poses in areas where large swaths of the population lack immunity.

A nationwide decline in new infections and hospitalizations is fueled by sharp drops in Southern states that were hit hard by the highly contagious delta variant. Hospital admissions nationwide crested above a weekly average of 100,000 in early September and are still at levels not seen since the winter, before vaccines were widely available. New infections plateaued in the first half of September, averaging above 150,000 daily, and are now on track to slip below 100,000.

More at source: Washington Post

Find Your Local Window Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Window Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:06:33 GMT

Make your day brighter with a IJCSA Member Window Washing Service! Commercial or Residential - One Time , Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Services Available - https://t.co/Yr3xnAJoPO -- #cleaning #janitorial #windowcleaning pic.twitter.com/pcJLKIH3su
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) September 28, 2021

Experts in cleaning & disinfecting standing by at IJCSA

IJCSA - — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 12:06:16 GMT

Free estimates! - Experts in cleaning & disinfecting standing by - Janitorial Directory Here- Special one time cleaning available. Coronavirus concerns? Ask about a high touch disinfection program for your office center. Professional Certified Office & Medical Cleaning Services | Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Services Available. | Call Today! | International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association

Highly Vaccinated Israel Is Seeing A Dramatic Surge In New COVID Cases. Here's Why

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 10:21:34 GMT

Israel was the first country on Earth to fully vaccinate a majority of its citizens against COVID-19. Now it has one of the world's highest daily infection rates — an average of nearly 7,500 confirmed cases a day, double what it was two weeks ago. Nearly one in every 150 people in Israel today has the virus.

The good news is that among Israel's serious infections on Thursday of this week, according to Health Ministry data, the rate of serious cases among unvaccinated people over age 60 (178.7 per 100,000) was nine times more than the rate among fully vaccinated people of the same age category, and the rate of serious cases among unvaccinated people in the under-60 crowd (3.2 per 100,000) was a little more than double the rate among vaccinated people in that age bracket.

The bad news, doctors say, is that half of Israel's seriously ill patients who are currently hospitalized were fully vaccinated at least five months ago. Most of them are over 60 years old and have comorbidities. The seriously ill patients who are unvaccinated are mostly young, healthy people whose condition deteriorated quickly.

More at source: NPR

Custodians at California’s wealthiest companies to earn $20 an hour in new contract

IJCSA - — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:40:58 GMT

More than 20,000 janitors across California ratified a new contract over the weekend that for many workers includes a $20 an hour minimum wage and an employers’ contribution to a union pension plan by 2023.

The statewide contract for janitors who clean professional office buildings in California — including spaces for companies such as Apple and Visa — comes after weeks of rallies. Workers had worked without a contract since the end of August.

“We won what all essential workers deserve, fair wages that acknowledge our sacrifices, benefits that allow us to care for our families, and the chance to retire when we get too old to work. We are so pleased that the membership ratified this contract, and we are ready to fight for more,” Anabella Aguirre, a Los Angeles janitor and a member of SEIU United Service Workers West’s bargaining committee, said in the union’s statement.

More at source: Sacramento Bee

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:51:49 GMT

Free estimates on beautiful clean carpets -> https://t.co/ifkARX0WgT .. 100% non toxic cleaning procedures that are safe for children, pets, & you! Professional certified companies! Call today! ... #cleaning #janitorial #carpetcleaning #greencleaning pic.twitter.com/9cXvplpDcL
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) September 17, 2021

CDC to Invest $2.1 Billion to Protect Patients and Healthcare Workers from COVID-19 and Future Infectious Diseases

IJCSA - — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 23:03:45 GMT

Press Release

For Immediate Release: Friday, September 17, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $2.1 billion investment to improve infection prevention and control activities across the U.S. public health and healthcare sectors. The Biden-Harris Administration, working through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is investing American Rescue Plan funding to strengthen and equip state, local, and territorial public health departments and other partner organizations with the resources needed to better fight infections in U.S. healthcare facilities, including COVID-19 and other known and emerging infectious diseases.

The funding announced today is a commitment that will allow the United States to expand public health and improve the quality of healthcare in our country, including addressing healthcare-related inequities. It will assist healthcare personnel to prevent infections more effectively in healthcare settings, support rapid response to detect and contain infectious organisms, enhance laboratory capacity, and engage in innovation targeted at combating infectious disease threats. Improvements in infection prevention will span the healthcare continuum, including 6,000 hospitals, 15,400 nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, 7,900 dialysis clinics, and 4,700 ambulatory surgery centers, and will extend to other outpatient settings.

“This funding will dramatically improve the safety and quality of the healthcare delivered in the United States during the pandemic and in the future,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H. “Funding will provide significant resources to our public health departments and healthcare systems and opportunities to develop innovative strategies to protect every segment of the U.S. population, especially those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, at a time that they are hit hard.”

Additionally, these investments will help address the rise of healthcare-associated infections, which increased as U.S. hospitals were inundated by COVID-19—reversing national progress seen prior to the pandemic.

Over the next 3 years, CDC will issue $1.25 billion of the total to 64 state, local, and territorial health departments to support this work. Initial awards totaling $885 million will be made in October 2021 to these jurisdictional health departments. CDC will use the majority of this initial funding in October, $500 million, to support a new force in the fight against COVID-19 to protect our most disproportionately affected population:

State-based nursing home and long-term care strike teams. This funding from CDC, in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), will allow state and other jurisdictional health departments to staff, train, and deploy strike teams to assist skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities with known or suspected COVID-19 outbreaks. The strike teams will allow jurisdictions to provide surge capacity to facilities for clinical services; address staffing shortages at facilities; and strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) activities to prevent, detect, and contain outbreaks, including support for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

The remaining $385 million to be awarded in October 2021 will go to state, local, and territorial health departments to strengthen five critical areas:

Strengthening state capacity to prevent, detect, and contain infectious disease threats across healthcare settings: CDC will provide significant infection prevention and control assistance to public health departments to work with healthcare facilities to improve the quality of healthcare; strengthen interventions for the prevention and containment of infectious diseases to minimize the spread of infection in a variety of healthcare settings; identify, address, and monitor healthcare-related disparities and health equity; and increase capacity to investigate outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections.
Laboratory capacity for healthcare: Funds provided will also increase state and regional laboratory capacity to conduct surveillance for emerging pathogens to better identify patients infected with or carrying infectious disease threats, such as antibiotic-resistant germs like “nightmare bacteria” carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and Candida auris. Throughout the pandemic, there have been outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in COVID-19 units and other healthcare settings.
Project Firstline: Funds will expand on efforts to design and implement effective infection prevention and control training and education to frontline healthcare staff, leveraging a unique collaborative of healthcare, public health, and academic partners. Project Firstline aims to meet the various education needs of its diverse healthcare workforce; ensure they have the knowledge they need to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their patients; and develop training and education that addresses disparities across U.S. healthcare personnel. In its first year, CDC’s Project Firstline and its partners developed more than 130 educational products and hosted more than 200 educational events on infection prevention and control, engaging approximately 16,300 healthcare workers from professions ranging from environmental services workers, to nurses, to physicians. Its infection prevention and control messages reached millions of individuals through more than 1,700 social media posts shared on CDC and partner channels.
National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN): CDC will increase data and monitoring through NHSN to determine where and when infections occur in healthcare settings and target IPC interventions. Funds will support state efforts to improve the NHSN data collection from healthcare facilities. This includes state coordination, expansion in reporting, and providing greater technical assistance to facilities that are reporting healthcare quality and preparedness-related data.
Antibiotic Stewardship: Funds will support state data analyses of antibiotic use and implement programs to improve antibiotic prescribing across communities, including addressing health disparities related to antibiotic use. Despite being ineffective against COVID-19, antibiotics have been commonly prescribed to patients during the pandemic, increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

In addition to amounts provided to state, local and territorial health departments, $880 million will be used over several years to support healthcare partners, academic institutions, and other nonprofit partners to develop new prevention interventions and capacities for infection prevention and control training, data collection, and technical assistance.

More at the CDC

Discuss This Press Release Here

COVID-19 cases climbing, wiping out months of progress

IJCSA - — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:37:49 GMT

COVID-19 deaths and cases in the U.S. have climbed back to levels not seen since last winter, erasing months of progress and potentially bolstering President Joe Biden’s argument for his sweeping new vaccination requirements.

The cases — driven by the delta variant combined with resistance among some Americans to getting the vaccine — are concentrated mostly in the South.

While one-time hot spots like Florida and Louisiana are improving, infection rates are soaring in Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee, fueled by children now back in school, loose mask restrictions and low vaccination levels.

The dire situation in some hospitals is starting to sound like January’s infection peak: Surgeries canceled in hospitals in Washington state and Utah. Severe staff shortages in Kentucky and Alabama. A lack of beds in Tennessee. Intensive care units at or over capacity in Texas.

More at source: AP News

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:50:59 GMT

Home Cleaning Service | Maid Service -> https://t.co/wmAv4wekha .. One time, weekly, bi-weekly, & monthly special cleanings. Find your new certified service at IJCSA! Free estimates! .... #cleaning #janitorial #greencleaning #carpetcleaning pic.twitter.com/sIwsZJlQZD
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) September 10, 2021

Lemons & Green Cleaning

IJCSA - — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:14:39 GMT

The power of lemons! Learn about green cleaning or find a certified green cleaning service here - IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory

Florida reports 1,064 more COVID-19 deaths and 46,105 new cases

IJCSA - — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:30:23 GMT

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida’s COVID-19 death toll has risen by 1,064 since Friday, according to the latest data from the CDC posted Monday.

Those fatalities didn’t all happen over the weekend — many of the deaths are backlogged and go back weeks — but they reflect the toll this summer surge has had in the state.

More than 6,600 people died with COVID-19 in Florida in August, an average of more than 213 people per day, and there may still be more August fatalities to be added. Already it is the deadliest month of the pandemic in the state.

Since the start of the outbreak, the state has confirmed 3,354,836 COVID-19 cases and 46,973 deaths connected to the virus.

Florida reported 46,105 new COVID-19 cases since Friday, the latest CDC metrics show.

These numbers reported by the CDC come from the Florida Department of Health, which only releases a public report with its COVID-19 data weekly on Fridays.

More at source: Local10.com

How To Clean Solar Panels

IJCSA - — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 20:12:47 GMT

When To Clean Solar Panels

There isn’t an established cadence that’s recommended for solar panel cleaning. Some people do it, others don’t. The only time you truly need to consider cleaning your solar panels is if they’ve accumulated a lot of bird droppings on them. In general, rain is enough to keep debris like dirt, dust and grime from building up on your solar panels.

Worried about a reduction in efficiency from dirty solar panels? Most professionals say you shouldn’t be. Since most solar panels are installed on a slant, debris simply runs off during rainstorms. It’s estimated that you may only see about a 5% reduction in efficiency if your solar panels aren’t clean, and that may improve as rainwater cleans them.

Safety Considerations

Since solar panels are installed on your roof, there are plenty of safety precautions to be aware of when cleaning solar panels. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid going up high: Probably the best(and safest) way to tackle the job of cleaning solar panels is to use a tool like a broom or sponge with a long handle. A telescoping rod allows you to reach your solar panels without having to get on the roof. This, of course, will work better for a one-story home than it will for a three-story home. So if that’s not possible, and you find you need to go on the roof, it’s best to take some precautions.

More at source: Forbes

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 15:30:29 GMT

Covid Concerns? Professional Certified Commercial Cleaning Services - https://t.co/mH5vUKIQZT... | Call Today | Free Estimates | Ask about a full medical disinfection program for your business, office center, or school... | International #Janitorial #Cleaning Services Association pic.twitter.com/y5lJg8QnHB
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) September 8, 2021

A New England woman says cleaning graves and giving the dead their names back is her 'therapeutic' outlet

IJCSA - — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:31:16 GMT

Spooky season is starting early this year with TikTok's latest obsession: gravestone cleaning.

For Caitlin Abrams, a software developer in Vermont who volunteers to clean gravestones in her spare time, working alongside the dead is a "therapeutic" escape.

"The other day I was super hyped up and anxious about something and for my lunch break from work I was like, 'Going to go clean a grave' and I did because it's very meditative," she told Insider.

Abrams, who goes by @manicpixiemom on TikTok, has over 1.3 million followers tuning into her gravestone-cleaning videos where she tells stories about the people buried beneath. Her most popular TikTok, delving into the life of an 11-week-old baby called Silas Reed who died from "lung fever," has over 30 million views at the time of writing.

More at source: Insider

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:41:45 GMT

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 11:20:02 GMT

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service Here >>

This scientist says cleaning indoor air could make us healthier—and smarter

IJCSA - — Sun, 08 Aug 2021 11:43:42 GMT

Joseph Allen runs a major public health research project at Harvard University, probing how indoor air quality affects human health and cognition. He consults with companies on ventilation and air filtration, and during the pandemic he became a prominent voice on public health, writing dozens of op-eds criticizing early guidance from health authorities and debunking misconceptions about how the virus spreads. But none of it would have happened if he hadn’t washed out as an FBI recruit.

The son of a New York City homicide detective who opened his own investigative agency, Allen spent his teens and 20s helping with the family business. He did surveillance, undercover work, computer forensics, and skiptrace—tracking down people who left town to avoid alimony. Eventually he took over the agency, leading investigations and supervising eight agents.....

More at source: Science Magazine

Find Your Local IJCSA Green Cleaning Service - Here

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:22:23 GMT

Covid Increases 439%

IJCSA - — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 10:35:07 GMT

The current 7-day average of daily new cases is 61,976. This is a 64.1% increase from the previous week, & a 439.7% increase from the lowest average in June 2021.

More info at CDC

Cases and hospitalizations from COVID-19 are skyrocketing in Louisiana, causing record-high rises that Gov. John Bel Edwards called “scary,” driven by the delta variant.

Dr. Joseph Kanter called delta “dangerous and dominant.” It accounts for more than 80 percent of COVID-19 cases in Louisiana.

On July 8, when Kanter first warned that the delta variant had become the dominant strain of the coronavirus in Louisiana, hospitalizations sat at 351.

A little over two weeks later, that number has quickly jumped to 1,390.

Susan Hassig, an infectious disease epidemiologist with Tulane University, explains how and why the delta variant poses the pandemic’s greatest threat.

What it means that the delta variant is more transmissible than previous strains of the coronavirus

It does appear to interact with the people that it infects differently than the viruses that we have dealt with before. And so what it appears is going on is that the timeframe that we were used to seeing with the original virus, about seven days of time from exposure to development of symptoms, and starting to shed the virus is shorter, some estimates are putting it three to four days, which is has a tremendous impact on transmission, it's going to cycle through people much more quickly.

In addition, what has been found in a number of small studies of people infected with the Delta variant is that they are producing enormously more virus than people with the other variants. And so that means they've got more virus to shed. When they speak, when they talk, when they laugh, there's just more virus there for them to push into the air, and thus potentially expose people to. Some estimates have gone from 100 times to 1000 times more virus particles. So that's a huge difference.

And then it's appearing that people are staying infectious, able to spread the virus for just a little bit longer. So they're starting earlier, having more virus and then lasting perhaps a little longer. And so that's what winds up adding up into then each individual who's infected being able to infect more people, and hence more transmissibility.

Whether the fourth surge will be faster than the three previous surges of COVID-19 in Louisiana

I think in the unvaccinated, and unfortunately here in Louisiana we have a lot of people who are unvaccinated, I think we are going to see very steep rises. The fact that just the other day, we had over 5000 cases being reported. Not all of those had been collected on one day, but a large number of them had been, over 3000 of them had been. That is numbers of cases and infections being identified that we haven't seen for a very long time. And for it to move from just a couple of hundred to those levels over the span of a couple of weeks, we are going to see this climb very quickly, I'm afraid. And we are seeing that kind of almost vertical climb in hospitalizations as well, which is really, really concerning.

More at source: WWNO

Discuss this article here

More Cleaning & Janitorial News Here

Should you be wearing a mask again? Here’s a map of the Covid hot spots subject to the CDC’s new guidance

IJCSA - — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 16:50:38 GMT

Should you be wearing a mask again? Here’s a map of the Covid hot spots subject to the CDC’s new guidance...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Tuesday that fully vaccinated Americans start wearing masks indoors again in places with high Covid-19 transmission rates as nationwide infection levels are once again on the rise.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters Tuesday that masks should be worn in public, indoor settings by everyone, including fully vaccinated people, in areas “with substantial and high transmission.”

But what exactly is “high” or “substantial” transmission, and where are the areas the CDC is concerned about?

The agency uses two measures to group U.S. counties into four levels of community transmission: the number of new cases per 100,000 residents and the percent of Covid tests that are positive over the past week.

More at source: CNBC

CPS poised to rehire Aramark to clean schools despite pledging not to and record of filthy schools

IJCSA - — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:03:30 GMT

CPS poised to rehire Aramark to clean schools despite pledging not to and record of filthy schools

A month before teachers and students return to Chicago Public Schools buildings and amid a surge of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant, district leaders are still finalizing who will be cleaning classrooms — and are making plans to rehire Aramark despite a history of problems with the janitorial behemoth.

With Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s support, CPS leaders announced last year that they would dump private facilities managers Aramark and SodexoMAGIC, which for years had near full autonomy in maintaining schools, including many that remained filthy. The plan was to return control and oversight of the cleaning and upkeep of hundreds of schools back to CPS employees while finding a new vendor to help run those operations.

More at source: Chicago Sun Times

Find Your Local IJCSA Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 22:52:27 GMT

Justice for Janitors Campaign Begins Bargaining With Denver Cleaning Contractors for Better Wages, Work Conditions

IJCSA - — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 10:10:57 GMT

Yesterday, SEIU Local 105’s bargaining team began their first day of negotiations with several Denver cleaning contractors to push for better wages and working conditions for janitors.

Meanwhile, several dozen janitors congregated at SEIU Local 105’s office in a show of support for their negotiators.

“Janitors feel like they’re in a good position. They really feel like they put their lives on the line last year, on the front lines of the pandemic,” said David Fernandez, Communications Director at SEIU Local 105. “Also, just the costs of commercial real estate, of building, in our downtown has just gone up in that time, so there’s really no reason why we shouldn’t be paying our janitors a living wage, why we shouldn’t be ensuring better protections for them.”

More at source: Colorado Times Recorder

Find A Janitorial Service Here

Discuss This Article Here

More Cleaning & Janitorial News Here

Looking for A Green Cleaning Service?

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 12:17:08 GMT

The truth is that everything single thing we do every day has an impact on the planet -- good or bad. The good news is that people have the power to control most of their choices and, therefore, the impact they create. Want to make the world a better place? Green cleaning products and practices are designed to have a less harmful effect on human health and the environment when compared to other cleaning products and practices that serve the same purpose. Promote environmental awareness, become an environmental steward, and participate in creating a brighter future for our children, choose to GO GREEN!

Locate a Green Cleaning Service in your area here: Green Cleaning Services

Where’s housekeeping? Hotels cutting back on daily cleaning after pandemic

IJCSA - — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 11:07:57 GMT

GROSS! - Hotels have cut back on daily room cleanings, which means many housekeepers remain on call. Because of this, a union that represents hotel service workers is sounding an alarm and saying that nearly 40% of hotel-housekeeping jobs — more than 180,000 — are in danger of being permanently eliminated.

“Every time there’s a crisis, companies try to use it to hurt workers,” Unite Here International President D. Taylor told MarketWatch.

Executives of some of the nation’s biggest hotel chains, including Hilton HLT, -0.77%, Marriott MAR, -0.80% and Hyatt H, -1.27%, have signaled that pandemic-induced changes ..

More at source: Marketwatch

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:10:29 GMT

Janitor fatally stabbed in struggle over keys to LA apartment building

IJCSA - — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:27:14 GMT

"He was such a dedicated family man and dedicated worker to Park La Brea," said Chan Rudrapatna, a friend. "All he wanted was to keep the building clean."

The 17-year-old suspect in custody was apparently trying to get into his girlfriend's apartment and allegedly attacked Mejia to get keys to the building.

"We believe Tomas tried to fight to defend himself and make sure the keys to the building were secure so the tenants were safe," said Alejandra Valles with the SEIU local that represents employees at the building. "Unfortunately he lost his life protecting the tenants he loved and the tenants that loved him."

IJCSA - — Mon, 17 May 2021 10:55:16 GMT

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Union files labor charges against Doral-based cleaning company

IJCSA - — Tue, 11 May 2021 11:57:15 GMT

A Doral-based cleaning company is under fire once more for allegedly violating labor laws. Greene Kleen of South Florida is accused of union busting and retaliating against employees attempting to organize, according to charges filed by the local chapter of the Service Employees International Union Thursday.

Greene Kleen janitors went on strike Thursday night in downtown Doral, walking off the job to protest what they say are threats, surveillance and firings over the workers’ organizing efforts.

The charges filed to the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency that enforces labor laws, allege that company owner Cira Figueroa refused to leave an organizing meeting between janitors and union organizers in April.

More at source: Miami Herald

More Cleaning And Janitorial News Here

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 05 May 2021 11:15:58 GMT

Certified carpet cleaning companies-> http://ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory .. 100% satisfaction guarantee! Home,...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Tuesday, May 4, 2021

CDC revises COVID-19 guidance on cleaning and disinfecting

IJCSA - — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 11:38:14 GMT

Atlanta — Prompted by available data and studies that show the risk of contracting COVID-19 via contact with surfaces is low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is relaxing its exposure-prevention guidance on cleaning and disinfecting.

Cleaning and disinfecting has been a key element of CDC guidance during the pandemic. Now, in a science brief issued April 5 and based on available epidemiological data and studies of environmental transmission factors, the agency says, “Surface transmission is not the main route by which SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19) spreads.” Instead, the highest risk of transmission is via exposure to respiratory droplets carrying the virus.

CDC adds: “Cleaning surfaces using soap or detergent, and not disinfecting, is enough to reduce risk.” However, disinfection is still recommended in indoor work environments where a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 was present within the past 24 hours.

More at source: CDC

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 12:45:18 GMT

Professional Certified Commercial Cleaning Services...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Friday, April 23, 2021

People Would Rather Do Almost Anything Instead of Clean, According to One Survey

IJCSA - — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:04:46 GMT

Life is messy. And come springtime, many of us know we should be sweeping, washing, and scrubbing our way toward a fresher home. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy, of course. According to a new survey conducted by the Consumer Insights team at Living Spaces, it’s what people would rather do than clean is especially interesting.

Does the sound of a dentist’s drill make you cringe? According to the survey of 464 people, 35 percent of respondents would choose a trip to the dentist for a teeth cleaning over partaking in spring cleaning. Other things people would rather do over scrubbing their home ’til the cows come home? 27 percent said they’d rather wake up early and run a mile for an entire week, while 26 percent said they’d rather give up alcohol for a month. Just under 20 percent said they’d rather give up Netflix for a month, while 15 percent said they’d even give up coffee for a month if it meant they didn’t have to clean.

More at source: Apartmenttherapy

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 15:46:15 GMT

Professional Certified Office & Janitorial Cleaning Services -...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Epidemiologist Warns U.S. Is “at the Beginning” of Fourth COVID-19 Surge

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:01:20 GMT

A top epidemiologist who has advised President Joe Biden on the COVID-19 pandemic says it’s time Americans accept that the country is starting to enter a fourth surge of the coronavirus. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said that as far as the world is concerned “we really are in a category five hurricane status” and the next few weeks will see a surge in cases around the world. And the reality will start to become evident to Americans soon. “In terms of the United States, we’re just at the beginning of this surge,” Osterholm said on NBC’s Meet the Press. “We haven’t even really begun to see it yet.”

Previous surges have followed a familiar pattern across the country and that now appears to be repeating. “We’re now I think in that cycle where the Upper Midwest is just now beginning to start this fourth surge,” he said. When Michigan reported 8,400 new cases yesterday “it was a wake up call to everyone,” particularly because of the rising number of severe cases for people who are between 30 and 50.

More at source: Slate

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 22:31:44 GMT

Do you want a really clean house? Trust the certified experts! Home Cleaning Service | Maid Service ->...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Poison exposure from cleaning products increases in 2020, especially in children

IJCSA - — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 14:05:13 GMT

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The pandemic drove people to use more cleaning products and hand sanitizer in 2020 in an effort to stay healthy and safe. Unsurprisingly, in that same time frame, there was an increase in poison exposures to cleaning products in North Carolina.

North Carolina Poison Control (NCPC) reported 7,000 cases of exposure to cleaning products in 2020 — a 23% increase from the previous year.

However, one expert with NCPC can’t say for sure whether that increase in exposure was a direct result of the pandemic.

“Our main focus is managing the exposure, accessing and seeing if any treatment needs to be done,” said Dr. Anna Dulaney, a clinical toxicologist with NCPC. “We did see an increase. Now, whether or not that was actually related to the pandemic, we didn’t do that type or research so I can’t say for sure.”

Dr. Dulaney also says there was a shift in the types of substances they were called about for child exposure cases.

More at source: WECT

Find Your Local Carpet Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:02:12 GMT

Need carpet cleaning? Find a local service near you at: https://ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory | Members are...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Thursday, March 18, 2021

Janitor union protests for renewed contracts

IJCSA - — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:19:14 GMT

Hundreds of people rallied with the Service Employees International Union Local 87, on California Street to protest for their union contract.

On Monday, Local 87 teamed up with hundreds of union members in San Francisco to protest related companies for their union contract. After the speeches of Local 87 leaders, they began to march with union members in downtown San Francisco and shouted for a better union contract.

“We were here because we have to fight for our contract,” Ming said. “ We need to fight for healthcare, better wages, more safety, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). That’s something that we have to fight for.”

More at source: Xpress

Find Your Local IJCSA Window Washing Service Here >>

Find Your Local IJCSA Window Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:51:10 GMT

Clean windows make your day brighter! Find your local window washing service here:...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Monday, March 8, 2021

Health officials investigate COVID-19 cluster among cleaning service workers

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:38:14 GMT

The DOH said that multiple cleaning service employees in the clusters were also family members who lived together.

While professional cleaning services play a major role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure, “pro-curing and providing janitorial and other environmental services while also practicing physical distancing can pose challenges,” the report said.

“All parties must take precautions to protect cleaning industry workers, clients, employers and household members.”

More at source: Maui News

Find A Janitorial Service Here

Discuss This Article Here

More Cleaning & Janitorial News Here

Air Cleaning Device Kills Indoor Pathogens, Including SARS-CoV-2

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 18:09:42 GMT

A new air cleaner uses a proprietary antiseptic formulation to kills pathogens suspended in the air and on surfaces.

The Eco Smart Health (Chicago, IL, USA) Sonic Smart Aero Cleaner is designed to dispense an invisible mist of Pure Sonic solution--a patented bleach free, alcohol free, non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-skin/eye irritant, and non- pathogenic formulation--into a room’s atmosphere to kill 99.9% of pathogens in the air and on any surfaces, such as SARS Associated Human Coronavirus and Norovirus; Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C; Herpes Simplex, HIV-1, Streptococcus, E. Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Tuberculosis, Salmonella, Legionella- Influenza Virus Type A, and others.

More at source: Hospimedica

Find Your IJCSA Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 12:02:31 GMT

Home Cleaning Service | Maid Service -> https://ijcsa.org/House-Cleaning-Services .. One time, weekly, bi-weekly, &...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Tuesday, February 16, 2021

How to make COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:15:59 GMT

Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced it was moving to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, freeing up more doses for states and beginning to distribute them to retail pharmacies.

The number of participating pharmacies and the allocation of vaccines are expected to accelerate as drug makers increase production. For now, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Sam's Club are among neighborhood pharmacies that have already begun to administer vaccines to eligible recipients under the federal retail pharmacy program.

Currently, CVS is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to "eligible populations" at a limited number of locations in 11 states. CVS said the vaccines will be offered on an "appointment-only basis." Appointments can be made online or through the CVS Pharmacy app. If eligible recipients don't have access to either, they can contact customer service.

More at source: Fox

Multiple states declare emergencies as an arctic blast brings historic winter weather

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 12:08:01 GMT

A severe winter storm is blasting much of the U.S. with heavy snow, freezing rain, ice and some of the coldest temperatures in years. Several states have declared emergencies as officials warn residents to stay home. CBS News meteorologist and climate specialist Jeff Berardelli joins "CBSN AM" to discuss the latest.

Discuss this video here.

More cleaning and janitorial news here.

School Janitor Becomes Internet Sensation

IJCSA - — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:09:11 GMT

A janitor has become an internet sensation after he was caught on camera making an incredible basketball trick shot as he cleaned the school courts.

Joe Orians, who is the custodian at Liberty-Benton Middle School in Findlay, in Ohio was filmed on CCTV nonchalantly bouncing a ball as he strolled across the empty court.

He then stood with his back to the hoop and without taking a glance over his shoulder launched the ball backwards.

More at source: You Tube

Denver Janitors Protest for More Hours, More Respect

IJCSA - — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 10:58:54 GMT

Yesterday morning, about 30 janitors across Denver called on Commercial Cleaning Services (CCS), the largest employer of janitors in Colorado, to stop reducing their work hours at a time when cleaning requires more time due to stringent COVID-19 cleaning protocols.

The actions of CCS, says Denver janitor Cynthia Rosales in a press release from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 105, not only compromise the safety of offices and other places cleaned by janitorial staff amid the pandemic, but also put janitors and their families in a tough situation.

“With fewer hours, we are still asked to maintain building standards during the pandemic,” Rosales said in the press release. “Our families are consistently squeezed financially with the uncertainty of whether we will work enough hours to get by.”

More at source: Colorado Times Recorder

Household Cleaning Products Market Worth USD 312.49 Billion by 2027

IJCSA - — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:17:43 GMT

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Fortune Business Insights™, The global household cleaning products market size is expected to reach USD 312.49 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.97 % during the forecast period. The growing emphasis to uphold a clean and hygienic household environment can be an essential factor augmenting the growth of the market during the forecast period. The market size stood at USD 163.98 billion in 2019.

Key Market Driver:

Rising Awareness about Clean-labelled Products to Boost Market

The shift from artificial and harsh chemical products to green and natural products by consumers owing to the rising environmental knowledge will bolster the healthy growth of the market. The increasing demand for natural and clean-labeled products has led to high production and supply of green household cleaning products. The increasing environmental concerns have generated the necessity for all-natural products, which, in turn, will enable speedy expansion of the market. The increasing environmental initiatives by authorities is expected to push the development of organic products, which, in turn, can strengthen the market in the forthcoming years.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Cleaning and Disinfection of Households to Eliminate Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to have an excellent impact on the global market. The rising consciousness regarding hygiene and cleanliness at homes will spur opportunities for the market. The inflated demand for household cleaning products has led to the scarcity of such products. The rising pressure on manufacturers to elevate their production capacities in this crisis will further benefit the market. The growing implications and concerns regarding the spread of the virus will fuel demand for cleaning products. Moreover, the long-term effect of the virus will simultaneously incite cautiousness among people, which, in turn, will augur well for the market.

More at source: Globe Newswire

Covid-19 hospitalizations drop, but January has been the deadliest month of the pandemic. Here’s what to expect next

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 12:09:28 GMT

Covid-19 hospitalizations drop, but January has been the deadliest month of the pandemic. Here’s what to expect next

For the first time in almost two months, less than 100,000 Americans are hospitalized for Covid-19.

Sunday, the United States reported 95,013 Covid-19 hospitalizations, according to data from the COVID Tracking Project. And 97,561 patients were hospitalized Saturday. The last time the number was below 100,000 was December 1.

Yet the seven-day average of new cases is still about the same as it was December 1. Even worse, the average number of daily deaths is more than double what it was then.

January has been by far the deadliest month of the pandemic. More than 95,245 people have died from Covid-19 so far this month, surpassing December’s total of 77,486 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

“Right now it’s the worst of possible worlds. It’s the winter. It’s getting cold out, people are together more, there’s still a critical number of people in the United States who don’t wear masks, who don’t social distance,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory committee.

“I think the next six weeks or two months are going to be rough. I think we could have another 100,000, 150,000 deaths.”

More at source: ABC

Find A Certified Janitorial Service Here

First Case of Brazilian Variant Covid in the U.S. Found in Minnesota

IJCSA - — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:48:30 GMT

Here we go again folks! This is not going away for years! Is your business prepared to combat Covid till 2023 and beyond? -Matt

First Case of Brazilian Variant in the U.S. Found in Minnesota

The United States' first confirmed case of the highly transmissible Brazilian coronavirus variant has been detected in Minnesota, state health officials said.

A Twin Cities resident who recently traveled to Brazil became ill the first week of January and a specimen was collected Jan. 9, the Minnesota Department of Health said in a news release.

“This case marks the first documented instance of the Brazil P.1 variant in the United States,” the release said. “While this variant is thought to be more transmissible than the initial strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, it is not yet known whether the variant causes more severe illness.”

Besides being more transmissible, the Brazilian variant has mutations that allow it to evade the body's immune system, meaning the current vaccines might not work against it, NPR reported. People might also get infected a second time.

More at source: WEB MD

California may have its own highly contagious homegrown COVID-19 strain

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:40:43 GMT

California may have its own highly contagious homegrown COVID-19 strain

Scientists in California believe there is a homegrown coronavirus strain in the state that could be responsible for the dramatic rise in cases, a report said on Sunday.

Two separate research groups have discovered the apparent California strain while looking for the new variant that is believed to have come from the United Kingdom, according to the Los Angeles Times.

He said some of that is up to you. His teams can clean the hospital but you need to clean your home.

Owner of Top Mops Cleaning Maryann Miller said the pandemic has kept her employees busy.

“We’ve noticed with our customers, people are using their homes now than they ever have been and so that is a big change for us. They’re often home when we’re there. Just trying to follow our systems but be creative in the way that we can help clients have a more relaxed restful life even in the midst of all this,” Miller said.

She said her employees adapted to the major changes by adding....

More at source: WTVQ

Carpet Cleaning Directory Here >>

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 16:18:15 GMT

Free estimates on beautiful clean carpets -> http://ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory .. 100% non toxic cleaning...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Wednesday, January 6, 2021

North America disinfectants and cleaning agents market to grow substantially over 2020-2026

IJCSA - — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:54:10 GMT

North America disinfectants and cleaning agents market to grow substantially over 2020-2026 - With respect to active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide segment currently holds 14% of North America disinfectants and cleaning agents market share and will continue to showcase an upward growth trajectory in the upcoming years. Whereas, caprylic acid segment is expected to record 6.5% CAGR over the projected timeline.

Considering the application spectrum, Commercial & institutional application segment is further divided into office spaces, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals & laboratories, and others. Of these, commercial buildings will witness an increased demand for disinfectants and cleaning agents, largely driven by growing awareness among consumers regarding health & safety.

North America disinfectants and cleaning agents market from offices segment will also record strong growth over the assessment period as offices are compelled to maintain cleanliness at workplace to ensure safety of employees from the rapidly spreading coronavirus.

Speaking of the competitive landscape, Henkel Corp., Diversey, Inc., The Clorox Company, Steris Corp., Metrex Research Corp., Cantel Medical Corp., Ecolab, Inc., Medline Industries, Inc., S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Procter & Gamble Co., 3M Co., BASF SE, and Kao Corp. are the top contenders in North America disinfectants and cleaning agents market.

More at source: Business News Updates

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service >>

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 12:34:24 GMT

Cute little sleeping puppy! ❤️ Did you ever think of what a dog or cat in your home must be thinking when you are using...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Wednesday, January 27, 2021

December is the deadliest month in the US since the coronavirus pandemic began -- and projections for January are 'nightmarish,' expert says

IJCSA - — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 13:20:47 GMT

December is the deadliest month in the US since the coronavirus pandemic began -- and projections for January are 'nightmarish,' expert says

Covid-19 hospitalization numbers across the US are already at record levels. On Sunday, the country recorded its fourth-highest number of hospitalizations with more than 118,720 Covid-19 patients nationwide, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

This is the 26th consecutive day that the US has remained above 100,000 current hospitalizations.

All of the five highest days for hospitalizations have been in the last week.

Another surge of cases and hospitalizations will, inevitably, mean more deaths -- on top of an already devastating death toll.

"When you're dealing with a baseline of 200,000 new cases a day and about 2,000 deaths per day, with the hospitalizations over 120,000, we are really at a very critical point," Fauci said.

"As we get into the next few weeks," he added, "it might actually get worse."

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 12:31:16 GMT

The U.S. professional cleaning services market by revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% during the period 2021–2026

The U.S. professional cleaning services market is experiencing growth on account of the increased popularity of “green cleaning technology.” The use of sustainable washing agents, which include special chemicals, equipment, and techniques, is a major factor contributing to the growth of the market. Green products contain natural solutions and cleaners, which are safe and preferred for commercial end-users. Organic ingredients in the cleaning agents are harmless with health minimal effect on the human body. Green cleaning is an effective alternative, which employs chemicals. Efforts are consistently made by vendors to promote green methods as chemicals used in conventional procedures are polluting the air, water, and land. Hence, the dependency on green products, which are made up of natural, plant-based materials, is witnessing traction, thereby driving the demand for eco-friendly professional services.

The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the U.S. professional cleaning services market during the forecast period:

• Preference for Green Cleaning Services

• Development in Robotic and Automated Cleaners

• High Preference for Specialized Services

The study considers the present scenario of the U.S. professional cleaning services market and its market dynamics for the period 2020?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.

More at source: Global News Wire

Find Your Local Home Cleaning Service Here >>

A Clean Home For The Holidays

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 13:09:55 GMT

Want a really clean home for the holidays? Get your free estimate here: https://ijcsa.org/House-Cleaning-Services -...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Saturday, December 5, 2020

First Covid vaccines to be offered to health workers, nursing homes, CDC panel says

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 14:49:29 GMT

Health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities will be the first groups to be offered the Covid-19 vaccine, according to a new proposal from an independent advisory committee within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met virtually on Tuesday to discuss who would receive the first doses of the vaccine and to vote on the proposed language for the recommendation. The proposal passed 13 to 1.

The panel of outside scientific experts makes recommendations to the CDC, which almost always accepts them.

“We have spent eight months discussing and evaluating the data,” Dr. José Romero, ACIP chair, said following the vote. “We are using the principles of maximizing benefits and minimizing harms, promoting justice and mitigating health inequities.”

More at source: NBC

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service Here >>

Happy Thanksgiving - Offices Closed Today

IJCSA - — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 14:04:02 GMT

A special Thank You to Clients, Members, Sponsors, Friends & Family may your Thanksgiving and all the days ahead be filled with happiness, joy and prosperity.

IJCSA Offices will be closed today and reopen Friday at 9am - All online services are available as always 24/7 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Find Your IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 12:56:12 GMT

Beautiful clean carpets -> http://ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory - 100% non toxic cleaning procedures that are safe...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Janitors vs. Germs

IJCSA - — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 15:11:58 GMT

Springfield's custodians and cleaning service employees are just as much on the pandemic front lines as health care workers and emergency responders, but their work isn't as well-known because it often occurs after hours and when buildings are empty. Armed with gloves, masks, potent disinfectants and a literally healthy dose of caution, they are sent to areas where doing a good job might save someone's life.

Are they concerned for their own safety? Certainly. But their experience and training help them to mitigate the risk, and they are proud of the vital job that they do.

Dushun Hogan owns Cleaning General Janitorial Services Inc. of Springfield. He's been in business for five years and has four employees, one of whom tested positive for COVID, likely from a non-work-related source. The employee has since recovered and has resumed working.

Hogan said his greatest concern right now is the effect that the pandemic will have on the businesses that he cleans.

More at source: Illinois Times

Here’s why paper products and cleaning supplies might be hard to find in stores again

IJCSA - — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 16:25:18 GMT

PHOENIX - Shelves in Valley grocery stores are starting to look like they did back in the spring.

Paper products like paper towels and toilet paper and some cleaning supplies are once again becoming hard to find.

"It was, in a way, expected," HItendra Chaturvedi, a professor of supply chain management at ASU, said.

Arizonans started to buy up items at the end of October following a trend seen elsewhere in the country.

Chaturvedi said the three main reasons why are: COVID-19 cases going up, people stocking up for winter and the election.

RELATED: Preparing for a pandemic doesn't include stocking up on toilet paper

The difference between now and the spring Chaturvedi said is that there is supply.

"The companies are better prepared, and they have more capability," Chaturvedi said. "But we just have to be careful that we don't hoard for the next six months."

More at source: KVOA

Find Your Certified Home Cleaning Pro Here ->

Certified Home Cleaning Services

IJCSA - — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 11:49:03 GMT

Want a super clean home? Trust the certified cleaning experts! Home Cleaning Service | Maid Service ->...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Announcing the New Bona® PowerPlus® Antibacterial Surface Cleaner

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:28:50 GMT

Englewood, CO, Nov. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Bona US, a global, sustainably-driven company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining and restoring premium floors, is launching its new, EPA certified, Bona^® PowerPlus^®Antibacterial Surface Cleaner specifically formulated for sealed non-porous hard surfaces. The ready-to-use antibacterial cleaner kills 99.9% of household germs* through the power of hydrogen peroxide and is available in unscented, Lemon Zest or Orange Blossom scents.

“Bona is taking our 100 years of experience off the floor with this new Bona PowerPlus® Antibacterial Surface Cleaner,” said Andy Telatnik, Director of Marketing, Retail, Bona US. “Safer cleaning doesn’t mean sacrificing efficacy. This hydrogen peroxided-based disinfectant cleaning solution is tough on germs, grease, and grime without harsh chemicals.”

Bona PowerPlus Antibacterial Surface Cleaner disinfects non-porous hard surfaces including sealed stone and tile, stainless steel, glass, glazed porcelain, and mirrors with no harsh chemical smell. The ready-to-use, streak-free formula is available in unscented, a bright, citrus Lemon Zest scent, or a fresh floral Orange Blossom scent.

Telatnik continued, “Some traditional antibacterial cleaners use quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats,” to kill bacteria. Bona PowerPlus Antibacterial Surface Cleaner is a quat-free formulation that uses the power of hydrogen peroxide to clean without leaving a residue behind.”

Bona PowerPlus Antibacterial Surface Cleaner in unscented, Lemon Zest, or Orange Blossom have a suggested retail of $8.99 and are now available in a 22oz. spray bottle at Target, Meijer, and more retailers coming soon.

*Kills 99.9% of Influenza A H1N1 Virus, Rhinovirus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], and Trichophyton mentagrophytes on hard, non-porous surfaces in 10 minutes.

More at source: Bona

Japan's specialist cleaners find new purpose and demand in pandemic

IJCSA - — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 12:17:38 GMT

Trepidation soon gave way to excitement when Toru Koremura, president of a Tokyo-based cleaning company, took up the challenge of disinfecting the Diamond Princess — a cruise ship quarantined in the port of Yokohama that made global headlines earlier this year as a “petri dish” for the COVID-19 virus.

The 38-year-old cleaning specialist admits part of him was scared to delve into what was then considered one of the world’s biggest COVID-19 hotspots.

“With all eyes on the Diamond Princess, I remember that there was this narrative back then that Japan was somehow where the virus was originating — I saw media reports saying Japanese people were being discriminated against overseas and treated as if they were virus spreaders,” said Koremura, head of cleaning firm Riskbenefit Co., in a recent interview.

At the time, the world was also increasingly doubtful that the nation would be able to host the Summer Olympics.

More at source: Japan Times

13 Bad Cleaning Habits You Didn’t Realize You Had

IJCSA - — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 11:10:19 GMT

3- Spraying disinfectant and wiping it up immediately

“Most household disinfectant holds a three- to 10-minute dwell time, which means the product needs to sit wet on a surface for it to actually disinfectant,” says Karina Neff, president and CEO of MaxiMaids. “Also note that it’s important to remove debris or dirt from the surface with a microfiber towel before disinfecting.”

Those are just two of the ways you’ve probably been using disinfectants wrong. To properly disinfect, wipe down the surface with your towel to remove soil, debris, and dirt, and then spray the surface with your disinfectant. Follow the label instructions for the product dwell time, then wipe up. Neff is a fan of Clorox Disinfecting Spray because it’s EPA tested and approved, as is Lysol, which is one of the few products that’s also been proven to kill coronavirus on surfaces.

More tips at source: Readers Digest

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 11:27:11 GMT

Learn about green cleaning or find a service at www.ijcsa.org | International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | #cleaning #janitorial #greencleaning
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Find Local Certified Home Cleaning Services

IJCSA - — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 11:25:37 GMT

Find Local Certified Home Cleaning Services Here >>

Disinfecting drones will clean Atlanta stadium between events

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:40:55 GMT

The stadium claims it’s the first professional sports stadium to use cleaning drones, and it says they reduce the time it takes to clean the stadium’s seating area by 95 percent, freeing up staff to work elsewhere. The drones will also disinfect the stadium’s handrails and glass partitions. Two drones will be used, with a third to be used as a backup, ESPN reports.

THE STADIUM CLAIMS ITS DRONES REDUCE CLEANING TIMES BY 95 PERCENT

As the world has reckoned with how to reopen public spaces during a pandemic, remote cleaning solutions like these have emerged as a high profile way of disinfecting large areas efficiently, while being able to keep cleaning staff socially distanced from one another. In May, Pittsburgh’s airport rolled out a ...

More at source: ESPN

Updated CDC guidance says coronavirus can spread through the air

IJCSA - — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:23:25 GMT

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidance on its website to say coronavirus can commonly spread "through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols," which are produced even when a person breathes.

"Airborne viruses, including COVID-19, are among the most contagious and easily spread," the site now says.

Previously, the CDC page said that COVID-19 was thought to spread mainly between people in close contact — about 6 feet — and "through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks."

The page, updated Friday, still says COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another, and now says the virus is known to spread "through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes."

These particles can cause infection when "inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs," it says. "This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads."

More at source: CDC

Workplace Covid-19 Cleaning Poses Disability Litigation Risks

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:09:23 GMT

An employee sets up two large desk fans and uses them to regularly spray alcohol disinfectant in hopes of keeping her workspace free from Covid-19. However, the strong-smelling sanitizer triggers headaches in a nearby co-worker, who complains.

This dispute occurred between two employees at a Midwest accounting firm, according to Philippe Weiss, president of Seyfarth at Work, a consulting division of management-side law firm Seyfarth Shaw LLP.

The employer ultimately resolved the situation by separating the two employees and providing “low-aroma” cleaning kits to all its workers, Weiss said. But the fight over the fans shows the potential for litigation over pandemic return-to-work issues, he said.

“With allergies, sensitivities, and the general risks related to rising employee tempers, other employers facing a similar set of facts may not be as fortunate,” Weiss said.

More At Source: Bloomberg

Find Your Local IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service Here >>

We Will Never Forget

IJCSA - — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 12:00:56 GMT

Today we honor the 3,000 men, women and children who were killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001. As part of the commemoration, please join us in observing the following moments of silence: 8:46 a.m.

Find Your Local IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:04:30 GMT

Free estimates on beautiful clean carpets -> http://ijcsa.org/Carpet-Cleaning-Directory .. 100% non toxic cleaning...
Posted by IJCSA - International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association on Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Get your home ready for September with this Autumn cleaning checklist

IJCSA - — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 11:34:25 GMT

Giving your home a deep clean ahead of autumn is crucial. As soon as those radiators are turned on and it becomes too chilly to open the windows, your home can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

‘You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your home a different feel through the autumn and winter months,’ says Lucy. ‘Dig out your blankets, light a few candles and dim the lights for that cosy, warm atmosphere.’

More at source: Ideal Home

COVID-19 Is Transmitted Through Aerosols

IJCSA - — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 11:25:55 GMT

When it comes to COVID-19, the evidence overwhelmingly supports aerosol transmission, and there are no strong arguments against it. For example, contact tracing has found that much COVID-19 transmission occurs in close proximity, but that many people who share the same home with an infected person do not get the disease.

To understand why, it is useful to use cigarette or vaping smoke (which is also an aerosol) as an analog. Imagine sharing a home with a smoker: if you stood close to the smoker while talking, you would inhale a great deal of smoke. Replace the smoke with virus-containing aerosols, which behave very similarly, and the impact is similar: the closer you are to someone releasing virus-carrying aerosols, the more likely you are to breathe in larger amounts of virus.

More at source: Time

Find A Local Janitorial Service Here >>

Find A Local Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 11:34:26 GMT

Janitorial Market To Increase By 32 Billion Dollars 2020-2024

IJCSA - — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 12:03:06 GMT

COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Analysis | Janitorial Services Procurement Intelligence Report Forecasts Spend Growth of Over USD 32 Billion

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global janitorial services is poised to experience spend growth of more than USD 32 billion between 2020-2024 at a CAGR of over 4%. The report also provides the market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More at source: Business Wire

Find Your Local Janitorial Service Here >>

New IJCSA Sponsor ezClocker! 30 day free trial and 10% Off

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 15:43:11 GMT

ezClocker is a top-rated time tracking & scheduling software for small businesses. Employees can use our apps to clock in/out, when they clock in we capture the GPS so you the employer will know if your employees clocked in/out at the correct location.

Our customers LOVE ezClocker because it's simple, easy to use, and affordable (our prices start as low as $10/month which covers up to 15 employees). To learn more about ezClocker and what it can do for your business please visit our website.

Still not sure? here are some case studies we did with our Janitorial customers to learn how they benefited from using our software:

ezClocker allowed Allan Dalangin to see exactly how long his crew were taking to clean each building. Read his case study here.
Kourtnee Howard used ezClocker to manage her team remotely using the GPS feature. Read her case study here.

In addition to our 30 days free trial, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on our already low monthly subscription plans to all IJCSA members. just enter discount code IJCSA10 on the payment page.

Find Your Local Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:48:51 GMT

Electrostatic cleaning service emerges in response to COVID-19

IJCSA - — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:29:14 GMT

FRISCO — When Michael Walsh’s mobile ski and snowboard tuning business came to a halt during the shutdown, he worked to launch a new business in response to the pandemic.

Walsh’s new company, Viropure, uses an electrostatic system to disinfect.

“It puts a positive charge on the mist,” Walsh said about the disinfecting system. “Everything around us is either negative or neutral, so when you put the positive-charged molecules (in the air), they push away from each other, and they wrap around whatever’s in front of you at a full 360. They go in all the cracks and crevices, into the light switches and do a full cover.”

More at source: Summit Daily

Find A Certified Cleaning Service Here

Find Your Local IJCSA Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local IJCSA Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:31:56 GMT

Janitors and Custodians remain essential workers during COVID-19 pandemic

IJCSA - — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:01:32 GMT

The sanitation and cleanliness of public buildings, schools, and businesses are left in the hands of janitorial staff and custodial workers. During a pandemic, their importance becomes even greater, but so do the risks of exposure to the coronavirus, experts say.

As businesses, schools, and public operations continue to open back up amid the COVID-19 pandemic, janitors and custodians are tasked with ensuring health safety through sanitation.

“The good news is that for sanitation workers, and this applies for janitors as well, generally speaking, they’re already practicing a lot of the behaviors that we would ask them to implement to protect them from infection, so for example the wearing of gloves and using disinfectant products to clean surfaces and wearing masks and maintaining as much distance and separation from raw biological fluids as possible,”

More at source: Daily Iowan

Find Your Local IJCSA Window Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local IJCSA Window Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 11:28:58 GMT

EPA approves two Lysol products as 1st to effectively kill novel coronavirus on surfaces

IJCSA - — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:06:46 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved two Lysol products as effective against the novel coronavirus when used on hard, nonporous surfaces.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist meet the EPA's criteria for use against the SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the ongoing pandemic, based on laboratory testing that found both products kill the virus two minutes after contact, the agency announced in a statement Monday.

Lysol said in a statement it is currently working on testing the efficacy of other disinfectant products against COVID-19.

"In the face of the pandemic, Lysol continues to work with a wide range of scientific and health experts to educate the public on the importance of hygiene," said Rahul Kadyan, executive vice president of Reckitt Benckiser in North America, Lysol's parent company.

More at source: Post Gazette

A User's Guide To Masks: What's Best At Protecting Others (And Yourself)

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 10:59:31 GMT

So you want to wear a face mask? Good call.

A growing body of evidence supports the idea that wearing face masks in public, even when you feel well, can help curb the spread of the coronavirus — since people can spread the virus even without showing symptoms. That's the main reason to wear a mask: to protect other people from you.

Face masks can also offer the wearer some protection — though how much varies greatly, depending on the type of mask. No mask will offer full protection, and they should not be viewed as a replacement for physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others, frequent hand-washing and avoiding crowds. When you combine masks with those measures, they can make a big difference.

But what kind of mask is best?

When choosing a mask, experts say focus on the fabric, fit and breathability. How well a mask protects is a function of both what it's made of and how well it seals to your face. But if you can't breathe well through it, then you're less likely to keep it on.

More at source: NPR

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:27:03 GMT

Find Service Here >>

OSHA RELEASE - Guidance On Returning To Work

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:49:45 GMT

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed the following guidance to assist employers and workers in safely returning to work and reopening businesses deemed by local authorities as “non-essential businesses” during the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Employers can use this guidance to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and health of their employees.

This guidance is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ previously developed Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 and the White House’s Guidelines for Opening up America Again. It focuses on the need for employers to develop and implement strategies for basic hygiene (e.g., hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection), social distancing, identification and isolation of sick employees, workplace controls and flexibilities, and employee training.

This guidance is based on the application of traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices to a phased approach for reopening, as the White House guidelines describe.

More at source: OSHA

Drones To Disinfect Sports Stadiums

IJCSA - — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:07:24 GMT

Cleaning really big spaces, like sports stadiums, presents a bigger challenge.

Lucid Drone Technologies has adapted its drones to spray disinfectant and can cover up to 23,000 sq ft (2,140 sq m) an hour.

It is potentially a way to clean sports stadiums and the company says it is in talks with NFL teams.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the drones were used for exterior cleaning of multi-storey buildings, a business that has slowed down.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has built a dozen sanitation drones and has the ability to build 10 drones per week, says Lucid's co-founder and chief executive Andrew Ashur.

Six cleaning companies have already signed deals to use the sanitation drones and the first batch are being delivered this month.

More at source: BBC

New Sponsor - Guardian Biosecurity

IJCSA - — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:04:38 GMT

Guardian Biosecurity is a local supply company based in Lexington, KY. We are the national distributor of ArmourGuard RTU. ArmourGuard RTU is a brand new EPA approved Antimicrobial Finish that is colorless, odorless, non-toxic and easy to apply. Once applied it keeps any surface virtually free of viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew and odors for up to 90 days - providing an added layer of protection once an area has been cleaned and disinfected. We are offering fellow IJCSA members 5% off of all purchases! Visit our website at www.guardianbiosecurity.com and use code IJCSA05

OSHA OFFERS FREE ADA COVID19 INFORMATION

IJCSA - — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:58:59 GMT

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act still apply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but employers should also follow the guidance of the CDC or state and local public health authorities about steps employers should take regarding COVID-19. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has tips to help employers understand the ADA, including rules about medical examinations and inquiries, in light of COVID-19.

More info at EEOC

More Cleaning & News Here

Protest? Need help cleaning up?

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 22:07:35 GMT

Find Your Local Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Certified Home Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 May 2020 15:01:00 GMT

Find Your Certified Home Cleaning Service Here >>

Memorial Day -- Office Closed Monday, May 25 In Observance.

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Certified Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 12:10:52 GMT

Follow IJCSA On Facebook - Here

Be careful how you clean in the fight against Coronavirus, CDC says

IJCSA - — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 11:53:29 GMT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning Americans to take care when using cleaning and disinfectant products like hand sanitizer, bleach, sprays and wipes.

In the United States, 55 poison centers offer free, confidential, 24-hour medical advice on what to do if you are exposed to poison, chemicals, drugs and medications. In the first three months of this year, they experienced a 20% increase in calls related to cleaners and disinfectants compared to last year.

"Mixing multiple types of cleaners together to make a 'stronger' cleaner, like mixing bleach and ammonia," is the second of the top three calls."

More at source: CDC

Find Your Local Window Cleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Window Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 10:53:21 GMT

Residential Window Cleaning Services & Commercial Window Cleaning Services! If you're looking for a reliable, bonded, and insured residential window cleaning company, look no further than IJCSA!

Earth Day 2020 Brings Hope In A Time Of Crisis

IJCSA - — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 11:25:41 GMT

Earth Day, there’s some exceptionally good news. Because of the cessation of so much activity, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the air has cleared dramatically; cities around the world, including Mumbai and Los Angeles, are smog-free. Also, the murk in the waters of Venice’s canals and the waves from motorboats are gone, revealing fish and plants in the clear Adriatic water.

Jan Vrins, global energy leader at Guidehouse, the world-circling consultancy, was so excited by the clearing that he posted and tweeted a picture taken from a town in the Punjab where Himalayan peaks are visible for the first time in 30 years.

The message here is very hopeful: With some moderation in human activity, we can save the environment and ourselves.

More at source: T & D

IJCSA ON FACEBOOK HERE >>

"Jesus Welcomes The Janitor"

IJCSA - — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:03:59 GMT

Find Your Local Certified Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 23:03:08 GMT

Find Your Local Certified Carpet Cleaning Company Here >>

Hot Mop The Floors - Coronavirus travels on shoes, spreads at least 13 feet: CDC

IJCSA - — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:31:12 GMT

The research was recently published by a team at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences in the federal agency’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. “The aerosol distribution characteristics … indicate that the transmission distance of [COVID-19] might be 4 m (more than 13 feet) ” the report says.

Additionally, the research found that the virus can linger on shoes and function as carriers of the coronavirus.

“Furthermore, half of the samples from the soles of the ICU medical staff shoes tested positive,” the researchers wrote of samples taken at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China. “Therefore, the soles of medical staff shoes might function as carriers.”

If on hard surface floors, the virus is in carpets also - Matt - Find a IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Service Here

More at source: CDC

Prayer For Our Members - Happy Easter Everyone! Be safe!

IJCSA - — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 13:28:56 GMT

IJCSA On Facebook Here

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Releases New Guidance

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:57:26 GMT

CDC Releases New Covid-19 Guidance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has eased some of the physical distancing guidelines for people who’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The guidance, which updated Wednesday, will allow asymptomatic people who’ve been exposed to the virus to go back to work as long they take their temperature twice a day, practice physical distancing, and wear a face mask.

The new guidance has sparked a fiery debate among health experts.

Some think letting people exposed to the new coronavirus get back to essential work is crucial to keep certain essential businesses and hospitals in motion.

Others believe doing so will open the floodgates and trigger a second wave of COVID-19.

More at source: CDC

Some Of Us Never Stopped Working - Find A Janitorial Service Here

How to clean and reuse an N95 mask

IJCSA - — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 14:27:18 GMT

IJCSA - — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 16:38:36 GMT

It doesn’t simply rely on being coughed on or respiratory secretions within a six-foot radius of a patient,” he said. “Being airborne would allow a virus to travel further than that. There have been hints.”

Air samples taken inside hospitals, in COVID-19 patients’ rooms and the hallways outside, tested positive for the coronavirus, according to University of Nebraska research. The study is published on a pre-publication research site, but is not yet peer-reviewed.

The samples were taken farther than 6 feet away from patient beds. Analysis of the samples found in the air did not indicate the presence of viral replication.

A university post noted that this was not conclusive evidence that the virus is airborne, and that further research is needed to see if live virus was captured and determine the risk of transmission through the air.

More at source: Clevleand.com

Hospital workers stop and clap janitorial staff to recognize their forgotten contribution

IJCSA - — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 23:39:02 GMT

The video was shared by the official Twitter account of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona. In the caption for the video, written in Spanish, the hospital thanked its staff for "continuing to perform their tasks in exceptional circumstances due to COVID-19", adding: "A well-deserved applause."

Source: Hospital Sant Joan de Déu

Detailed disinfection guidance

CDC Releases Cleaning Instructions For Coronavirus

IJCSA - — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:40:34 GMT

The CDC released some rather intense housecleaning guidelines that, if enacted, might consume all of your time. (“Clean surfaces using soap and water . . . tables, door knobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.” Also, clean all rugs.) You see the problem. Here’s what to do:

IF NO ONE IN YOUR HOME IS SICK . . .

If no one in your home is sick with what might be COVID-19 (or flu or a bad cold), you do not need to spend your days cleaning. Just focus on making sure that COVID-19 doesn’t come into your house by practicing social distancing.

Clean

Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

Disinfect

Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectantexternal icon.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.
Many products recommend:
- Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label)
- Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
  OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

Soft surfaces

For soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes

Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR
Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectantsexternal icon meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

Electronics

For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.

Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics
Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting
- If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.

Laundry

For clothing, towels, linens and other items

Wear disposable gloves.
Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you remove the gloves.
Do not shake dirty laundry.
Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Dirty laundry from a sick person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

Clean hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a sick person.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
- After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After using the restroom
- Before eating or preparing food
- After contact with animals or pets
- Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

More at source: CDC

Not wearing masks to protect against coronavirus is a ‘big mistake,’ top Chinese scientist says

IJCSA - — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:12:04 GMT

Q: What mistakes are other countries making?

A: The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren’t wearing masks. This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact. Droplets play a very important role—you’ve got to wear a mask, because when you speak, there are always droplets coming out of your mouth. Many people have asymptomatic or presymptomatic infections. If they are wearing face masks, it can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.

Q: What about other control measures? China has made aggressive use of thermometers at the entrances to stores, buildings, and public transportation stations, for instance.

A: Yes. Anywhere you go inside in China, there are thermometers. You have to try to take people’s temperatures as often as you can to make sure that whoever has a high fever stays out.

And a really important outstanding question is how stable this virus is in the environment. Because it’s an enveloped virus, people think it’s fragile and particularly sensitive to surface temperature or humidity. But from both U.S. results and Chinese studies, it looks like it’s very resistant to ...

More at source: Science Mag

'Desperate' shortage of ventilators for coronavirus patients puts manufacturers on wartime footing

James Dyson designed a new ventilator in 10 days. He's making 15,000 for the pandemic fight

IJCSA - — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 22:45:02 GMT

James Dyson designed a new ventilator in 10 days. He's making 15,000 for the pandemic fight

London (CNN Business)Dyson has received an order from the UK government for 10,000 ventilators to support efforts by the country's National Health Service to treat coronavirus patients.

James Dyson, the company's billionaire founder, confirmed the order in a letter to employees shared with CNN on Wednesday.

"A ventilator supports a patient who is no longer able to maintain their own airways, but sadly there is currently a significant shortage, both in the UK and other countries around the world," Dyson wrote.

More at source: CNN

USA Coronavirus Update

IJCSA - — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 11:21:45 GMT

United States

Coronavirus Cases:

54,963

Deaths:

784

Recovered:

379

Search:

USA State	Total Cases	New Cases	Total Deaths	New Deaths	Active Cases	Source
New York	26,348		271		25,969	[source] [source] [source] [source] [source]
New Jersey	3,675		44		3,631	[source] [source] [source]
California	2,617	+51	55	+4	2,554	[source] [source] [source]
Washington	2,469		123		2,222	[source]
Michigan	1,791		24		1,767	[source] [source] [source]
Illinois	1,535		16		1,517	[source]
Florida	1,467		20		1,447	[source] [source]
Louisiana	1,388		46		1,342	[source] [source]
Massachusetts	1,159		11		1,147	[source] [source]
More States
Total:	54,963	107	784	4	53,800

More at source: Worldometers

China to lift lockdown on Wuhan, ground zero of coronavirus pandemic

IJCSA - — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:33:24 GMT

China has announced it will lift the lockdown on Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the corona virus pandemic, on April 8, marking a significant milestone in its battle against the deadly outbreak.

The date comes more than two months after the city was first sealed off from the outside world, in an unprecedented bid to contain the fast spreading virus. Similar lockdown measures will be lifted Wednesday for other cities in Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital, provincial authorities announced Tuesday.

More at source: CNN

What you need to know about surgical masks, N95 respirators and coronavirus

IJCSA - — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 12:34:01 GMT

Since the outbreak, people in China and in the rest of the world have rushed to their local pharmacies to get surgical masks. But there are different types of masks on the market, and not all of them are really effective against this virus. So, which masks actually offer protection?

The inventor of the technology inside of surgical masks and N95 respirators wants you to know this: Surgical masks are important for sick people to wear — but everyone else should think twice.

Peter Tsai created the filtration fabric inside of most surgical masks and N95 respirators and dedicated his life to perfecting them. He spent over 30 years developing new nonwoven, microfiber fabric technology. He recently retired from the Material Sciences Department of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Tsai explained that surgical masks are designed for catching the large droplets released by sneezes, coughs and sniffles. The masks are best for catching drops that leave a sick person's body.

More at source: Knox News

Coronavirus Update Per State

IJCSA - — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 12:23:54 GMT

The 10 states with the most cases. Just an update from https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/ - overall, the US is still doing very well in terms of both cases per capital and deaths. Obviously everything is in flux.

CDC suggests nurses, medical personnel use bandanas, scarves during face mask shortage. - SO SHOULD JANITORS & CLEANERS

IJCSA - — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:48:04 GMT

CDC suggests nurses, medical personnel use bandanas, scarves during face mask shortage. - SO SHOULD JANITORS & CLEANERS

ALL MEMBERS (EVERYBODY) SHOULD BE WEARING SCARFS, BANDANNAS, FABRIC OVER NOSE AND MOUTH, GOGGLES ALSO.

As the national shortage of face masks becomes severe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nurses can use bandanas and scarves as makeshift masks when caring for COVID-19 patients — although it’s unclear whether they would protect medical workers.

The CDC says that option should be used “as a last resort” and only when the hospital nearly depletes its supply and experiences a crush of COVID-19 patients, reaching “crisis capacity.” The CDC acknowledges that its recommendations are out of step with standards of care in the United States.

Nurses and other health care providers can “use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19,” the CDC website now reads. The agency says in the next sentence that the homemade masks’ capability to protect health care providers against the coronavirus-caused disease “is unknown.”

More at source: CDC

New coronavirus stable for hours on surfaces

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 23:36:12 GMT

The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine. The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

The results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects. The study information was widely shared during the past two weeks after the researchers placed the contents on a preprint server to quickly share their data with colleagues.

More at source: National Institute Of Health

Janitorial Supplies Getting Tight for Area Cleaners

IJCSA - — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 12:10:58 GMT

Rhiel Supply Co., which provides janitorial supplies to regional customers, has seen increased customer orders for disinfectants, hand sanitizers, soap and toilet paper, says Karen Blacko, customer service manager. Even the company’s outside sales and delivery services staff keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in their vehicles, per the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Our plans are to keep searching for vendors that have products that we can order,” Blasko said. “We got product today for disinfectant sprays for customers who were waiting for it. Our outside sales people are checking with their customers and helping them find the best solution.”

Manufacturers of cleaning supplies are struggling to keep production in line with need, so getting supplies to customers has been a challenge, particularly with hand sanitizer, Blasko says. Rhiel’s purchasing department is working hard to acquire more hand sanitizer, she says.

All of the schools that Rhiel supplies are well positioned, Blasko says, because of being used to the flu season.

“They just had to tighten up a little bit and make sure they had some backup supplies,” she says. “They did real well. Smaller companies, you don’t expect to have a major virus coming, so you have to revisit your plans.”

More at source: Business Journal Daily

Find A Service Provider Near You Here

Cleaning & Disinfecting Services Available

IJCSA - — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:55:48 GMT

Coronavirus concerns? Ask about a high touch disinfection program for your office center. Professional Certified Office & Medical Cleaning Services | Free Estimates. | Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly Services Available. | Call Today! | International #Janitorial #Cleaning Services Association

IJCSA - — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 12:28:41 GMT

A group of about 200 custodial workers marched in Irvine on Friday afternoon in support of worker’s rights and to spread awareness about the sexual assault of female janitors during night shifts.

Marchers wore purple shirts bearing the words “Justice for Janitors” and held signs that read “Janitors Sweeping Out Fascism Racism Sexism” and “Building Owners: Do Your Part.”

In Spanish, the group chanted “What do we want? Justice!” and “Stop rape on the night shift!”

A woman dressed in traditional Aztec attire danced to the beat of two drummers, leading the procession through a business district near John Wayne Airport.

More at source: LA Times

These cleaners kill coronavirus: Lysol, Clorox, Purell products make EPA's disinfectants list

IJCSA - — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 11:29:37 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a list of disinfectants to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the EPA, products on the list have "qualified for use against COVID-19" through the agency's Emerging Viral Pathogen program where manufacturers provide the EPA with data that "shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses."

Coronaviruses are what are called enveloped viruses, "meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product," the EPA says.

“Using the correct disinfectant is an important part of preventing and reducing the spread of illnesses along with other critical aspects such as hand washing,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a news release. “EPA is providing this important information in a public and transparent manner on disinfectant products to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

More at source: EPA

To view the list of EPA-registered disinfectant products, visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf

Chicago-area schools get a proactive scrub down in response to coronavirus spread

IJCSA - — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 11:09:19 GMT

As the coronavirus spreads in the Chicago area, some schools are proactively scrubbing down desks, doorknobs and other high-touch surfaces where experts say the virus can live for days.

While state and local public health officials continue to say the risk in the area remains low, some school administrators — and in some cases, the teachers themselves — are increasing the frequency of cleanings. Some are even enacting procedures typically saved for when students or staff fall ill.

More at source: Chicago Tribune

How to Prepare for the Coronavirus

IJCSA - — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:47:18 GMT

Wash your hands. Keep a supply of medicines. Get a flu shot. Experts offer practical tips on how to get ready for an outbreak.

Federal health officials have warned that the coronavirus is likely to appear in communities in the United States. If it does, what can you do to protect yourself and your family?

Much of the advice from experts is common sense, and not much different from what you would do to dodge the flu or any other respiratory virus.

“The mantra is, ‘Keep calm and carry on,’” said Dr. Marguerite Neill, an infectious disease expert at Brown University.

More at source: NY Times

More at CDC

Learn About Bloodborne Pathogens Here

Coronavirus can linger on surfaces, so use these precautions, CDC says

IJCSA - — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:41:29 GMT

In China, new measures – including the deep cleaning and destruction of paper money -- were announced by the People’s Bank of China, aiming to contain the spread of the virus, which has infected more than 71,000 people globally and killed 1,775, the majority in China.

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses common among animals. In rare cases, they are what scientists call zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More at source: CDC

Home cleaning products may up risk of childhood asthma

IJCSA - — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:20:22 GMT

New parents who obsessively clean their homes to protect babies from germs might want to relax a bit, suggests a new study linking high exposure to cleaning products with an increased risk of childhood asthma.

Researchers surveyed parents about how often they used 26 common household cleaners over babies' first three to four months of life. By the time the kids were 3 years old, children with the highest exposure to cleaning products were 37% more likely to have been diagnosed with asthma than those with the least exposure.

With greater exposure to cleaning products, kids were also 35% more likely to have chronic wheezing and 49% more likely to have chronic allergies, the study found.

"Parents are striving to maintain a healthy home for their children," said study coauthor Dr. Tim Takaro of Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada.

More at source: CMAJ

Ocean Cleaning Device Succeeds in Removing Plastic for the First Time

IJCSA - — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 14:02:02 GMT

An enormous floating device designed by Dutch scientists for the non-profit Ocean Cleanup successfully captured and removed plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the company announced Wednesday, as CNN reported.

Ocean Cleanup has been hard at work on creating a device to attack the plastic waste crisis for seven years, by creating a device that captures plastic in its fold like a giant arm, according to Business Insider. The company announced that it was able to capture and hold debris ranging from large cartons, crates and abandoned fishing gear — according to an Ocean Cleanup press release.

More at source: Eco Watch

Janitors to March in Several California Cities to Demand "New Deal''

IJCSA - — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:40:47 GMT

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - More than 1,000 janitors in Los Angeles will carry out a march today to demand that the owners of the world's largest buildings adopt a “new deal” for immigrant workers.

Janitors will also rally in Orange, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego.

These events mark the start of the contract campaign for 25,000 janitors across California organized by SEIU United Service Workers West, according to a union statement. They are using the occasion to lay out a list of human rights standards that they are asking all building owners and property managers in California to adopt.

After their march, the workers will be addressed by speakers, including L.A. County Labor Federation President Ron Herrera.

More at source: KFI

IJCSA - — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:34:44 GMT

Stocks fell to their lowest levels in months Monday on the spread of coronavirus. But the companies that make your cleaning products are rallying.

Shares of Clorox, Procter & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive and Kimberly-Clark were all up Monday. An outbreak can be good for disinfectant sales: In 2009, when consumers were worried about the spread of swine flu, hand sanitizer sales spiked 70% over a six-month stretch, according to Nielsen.

But the stocks weren’t necessarily rising because investors expect them to sell a ton of cleaning supplies. These companies are defensive stocks, and investors often head to them during volatile periods.

More at source: KTVZ

Blount County Schools custodians fight flu, other germs with fine green cleaning sanitizing spray

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 17:26:23 GMT

The regular cleaning fluid is peroxide based and doesn’t have to be wiped off, Morgan explained. Although the electrostatic sprayer bears the Clorox name, its sanitizing solution also does not use bleach, which can cause problems with people who have conditions such as asthma.

Blount County Schools custodians are on the front line protecting students from flu and other germs circulating this season, armed with a special sanitizing sprayer.

Since 2017 BCS has used four Clorox Total 360 Systems to deep clean the district’s 21 schools. The machines create a fine electrostatic mist that custodial manager Rick Morgan said “will go behind, under and around surfaces,” killing the germs.

More at source:Daily Times

Find Your Local Housecleaning Service Here >>

Find Your Local Housecleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 17:24:35 GMT

Janitors' union concerned about losing jobs at Sherwin Williams

IJCSA - — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:57:17 GMT

Terrie Eddy has been a janitor at Sherwin Williams’ headquarters in downtown Cleveland for 16 years. But in 10 days, she will be out of a job.

“It was really shocking,” Eddy said. “My heart stopped beating.”

Eddy is among roughly 30 union janitorial workers who received notice on December 30 that the paint company would be dropping union service members in favor of non-union janitors.

“It’s not just 30 workers, it is 30 human beings that have rent to pay, and children to take care of, and groceries to buy and car notes and mortgages. just like you do,” said Yanela Sims, director of Ohio SEIU Local 1, the union that represents the workers.

More at source: ABC

Find Your Local IJCSA Certified Carpet Cleaning Company Here >>

IJCSA - — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 13:14:29 GMT

Happy New Year 2020!!

IJCSA - — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 21:49:03 GMT

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing Members, Sponsors, & Partners – you’ve made 2019 our best year yet! We look forward to serving you in 2020 and beyond! Happy New Year To All!

How Hiring A Cleaning Service In 2020 Can Make Your Life Easier

IJCSA - — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 23:41:53 GMT

Cleaning the house is a never-ending chore. In California, early fall means kids' soccer games, messy football Sundays in the living room, busy weeks and even busier weekends.

Whether you're a professional or a parent trying to keep up with children's messes, a professional cleaning service can free up a lot of time. Depending on the services you choose, housekeepers can help with everyday chores like vacuuming, dusting and mopping as well as more complex needs like laundry and organizing.

We all know someone who "cleans up" before the maid service comes, so what do these helpers actually do? The answer depends on the package you choose. Standard maid services typically include a full kitchen and bathroom clean, vacuum, dust, linen change and dish washing. These can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

More at source: Patch

IJCSA WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 24-27 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

IJCSA - — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 12:52:05 GMT

IJCSA Offices Closed - To spend time with our families this holiday season, our offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th through Thursday, December 26th, 2019. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, December 27th. All online services open 24/7 as usual.

We wish all our Members and Consumers from around the WORLD a very happy and peaceful holiday season!

Find Your Local IJCSA Window Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:04:11 GMT

Clean windows for the holidays? No problem! Find your local IJCSA Window Cleaning Service Here

Cold vs. flu symptoms: Here’s what the CDC says to watch for as the virus strikes early in 2019

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:37:59 GMT

First and foremost are the onset of the symptoms themselves. The CDC says flu symptoms tend to come on abruptly, while people with a common cold may feel symptoms gradually. Flu symptoms also tend to be more severe overall. Meanwhile, fevers and headaches are rare with a cold but more common with the flu.

The CDC created a handy infographic that lists nine symptoms and how they stack up:

More at source: Fast Company

Find A Office Cleaning Service Here

Janitor Killed at Dickies Arena, Crushed by Mechanical Gate

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:28:37 GMT

Julian was employed by a contractor for the arena, Service First Janitorial.

His mother said he was saving money to visit his girlfriend in Mexico for the holidays.

"He was very happy, very loving," his mother said in Spanish. "He took good care of me."

Dickies Arena is owned by the city of Fort Worth, but managed by a nonprofit company, Trail Drive Management Corp.

Trail Drive issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim's family and said they were cooperating with the investigation.

But managers declined to answer questions about whether the gate has a safety mechanism or was malfunctioning at the time.

More at source: NBC

Why Green Cleaning? - Lung disease in nurses linked to disinfectant use at work

IJCSA - — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:33:37 GMT

This is happening now to nurses who do once a week cleanings, what do you think the results would be of cleaners who use disinfectant everyday? -Matt

Exposure reduction strategies needed now as regular use of disinfectants by female nurses linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), study finds.

Researchers from Harvard University and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) analyzed data from more than 73,000 nurses employed in US hospitals between 2009 and 2015 and were part of the Nurses’ Health Study II

. No participants had COPD—a group of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema—at the outset of this study. By the end, 582 nurses were diagnosed with COPD.

IJCSA - — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 18:03:21 GMT

Syracuse, N.Y. - Keri Courtwright was working her usual night shift at Syracuse University last week when she was asked to clean up some racist graffiti.

When the janitor read the words -- a hateful description of Asians -- she felt angry. As she scrubbed the black marker off the wall of a university building, she wondered what she could do to fight the ugliness.

The answer that came to her in that quiet, empty hallway was simple: Spread kindness.

More At Source: Syracuse.com

A Buffalo Wild Wings general manager died after being exposed to toxic fumes from cleaning agents

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:45:54 GMT

Ryan Baldera, 32, was taken to a hospital, where he died. Thirteen other people -- 11 employees and two patrons -- were also hospitalized with burning eyes and difficulty breathing, the Burlington Fire Department said.

A restaurant employee put a chlorine bleach-based product, Super 8, and acid-based cleaner Scale Kleen on the kitchen floor while cleaning it, the fire department said in a news release.

More at source: CNN

Learn Why Green Cleaning Would Have Prevented This

Find Your Local Housecleaning & Maid Service Here >>

Get A Home Cleaning Before The Holidays

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:40:28 GMT

Veterans Day - IJCSA Offices Closed

IJCSA - — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 13:23:04 GMT

A very special THANK YOU for your service to Members, Visitors, and their Families. IJCSA Salutes You!

Our offices will be closed today and reopen Tuesday morning.

New training standards adopted to protect janitors from sexual abuse on the job

IJCSA - — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 13:51:23 GMT

A California law that requires the state’s janitorial contractors to train its staff about sexual harassment and abuse has been updated to define how the process will work.

The initial law, Assembly Bill 1978, recognized the threats faced by many women cleaning offices alone at night and increased protections by initiating a statewide program to formally address the issue. It became law Jan. 1, 2019, after it was signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown in 2016.

Last month, Gov. Gavin Newson signed AB 547, a bill that sets up training standards in the state’s Labor Code. Unlike most sexual harassment training in California, which is typically provided by attorneys, in-house human resources officials or outside consultants, janitors will learn about their rights from people who have endured similar experiences.

More at source: THE OCR

Find A Janitorial Service

Local Janitorial Workers Rally for $15 Minimum Wage

IJCSA - — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:17:59 GMT

Members of Cincinnati's SEIU Local 1 clean buildings for a number of large local corporations, county agencies and the public library.

They say they don't make enough to make ends meet and are pushing for a better contract that pays a living wage.

More at source: City Beat

Nurse exposure to cleaning products risks respiratory health, study finds

IJCSA - — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:25:11 GMT

A study has found that, between 2009 and 2015, exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants was associated with a 25-38% increased risk of developing COPD in nurses – independent of asthma and smoking.

The authors of the research, published in Journal of the American Medical Association, used data from an ongoing study of 116,429 registered nurses in the US dating back to 1989.

The researchers, based in France and the US, focused on the nurses who were still practising but had no reported respiratory issues in 2009, providing a total of 73,262 participants.

The cleaning products that posed a threat include glutaraldehyde, bleach, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol.

Lead study author Dr Orianne Dumas, from University de Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, said: “We found that exposure to several chemicals were associated with increased risk of developing COPD among nurses.

Nurses are not full time cleaners, imagine the effects of chemicals on someone cleaning full time. -Matt

More at source: Nursing Times

New Jersey court rules janitorial company's appeal over bidding dispute with Newark is moot

IJCSA - — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 13:50:09 GMT

The judges ruled that United Services’ concern on the appeal of whether it should have been granted the two-year contract in 2016 for $1.8 million a year has already been settled without the current court’s ruling as United Services has performed contract services for more than two years after it sued in the court's Law Division.

The ruling states it performed the services for more money than it would’ve gotten if it was selected for the 2016 bid.

More at source: Legal News Line

Find A Local Janitorial Service Here >>

Find A Local Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 13:15:53 GMT

American Airlines flight diverted reportedly due to 'spillage of cleaning fluid'

IJCSA - — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 13:50:37 GMT

An American Airlines flight from London has been diverted due to a "spillage of cleaning fluid," according to a tweet Monday.

Airport Webcams tweeted that American Flight 729, which was intended for Philadelphia, was diverted to Dublin after a pilot advised about a "spillage of cleaning fluid."

Two members of the crew were temporarily unconscious and several passengers are experiencing burning eyes and itchy skin, according to the social media post.

The pilot said he was told the substance was not toxic and that it was a cleaning product used while the aircraft was at London's Heathrow Airport, according to air traffic control audio.

According to the audio, the pilot said the aircraft interior cleaner -- that includes derivatives of ammonium chloride -- is made by Callington and was left behind in one of the lavatories on the plane. After the spill, the fluid continued to seep into the carpeting the pilot said, according to the audio.

If using green cleaning solutions this would not have happened.-MC

Source: Fox Business

Miami Janitors File Labor Charges Against Cleaning Contractor

IJCSA - — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 11:43:12 GMT

Miriam Alba is tired of being tired. An immigrant from Nicaragua, she wears her exhaustion like a uniform, juggling multiple jobs to keep a roof over her head and help put her granddaughter through college. For years, Alba's working days have been filled with cooking and cleaning homes, leaving little time for sleep. The few snatches of shut-eye she did get, about three or four hours at most, came after a night shift of janitorial work at CIC Miami, a large co-working space in eastern Allapattah, right next to the interstate.

Alba had always handled her janitorial work at CIC with pride, if unhappily at times: The pay, $8.46 an hour, was poor, and part-time workers like her didn't receive any benefits.

More at source: Miami Times

Cleaning with Bleach Can Release Harmful Airborne Particles

IJCSA - — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 12:29:19 GMT

When bleach fumes mix with a citrus compound found in many household cleaners, they can form ultrafine particles like those found in smog.
This compound is called limonene and is usually relatively mild but in large amounts can irritate the eyes, throat, lungs and skin.
Some green products may be safer than traditional bleach, but some experts say using vinegar and baking soda can also be non-toxic way to clean your home.

The smell of bleach has long been associated with a clean home, especially during cold and flu season.

But a group of researchers learned that when bleach fumes mix with a citrus compound found in many household cleaners, it can create potentially harmful airborne particles — for you and your pets.

More at source: Healthline

Find Certified Green Cleaning Services Here >>

Find Certified Green Cleaning Services

IJCSA - — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:58:27 GMT

Watch what you use to clean house -- your pet's health may depend on it

IJCSA - — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 11:33:36 GMT

Do you consider your feline's health when choosing household cleaning products? Perhaps you should. Many cleaning products contain toxins and chemicals. Your feline can ingest a toxin through its respiratory system or when it grooms.

Think of the multitude of surfaces your feline's feet touch within your home. If you have a normal curious feline, that means just about everywhere. Think of the areas your feline eats, naps and plays in -- and you'll realize it's probably every room in the house, including the bedroom. Exposure to chemicals over time can cause health problems such as allergies, metabolic disorders and cancer. Exposure can also cause an immediate toxic reaction.

More at source: Daily Herald

Green Cleaning Certification (GCC)- Residential and commercial consumers are no longer satisfied with services saying they are green companies. In some commercial situations a certification is required for you to clean their building, so they stay current with their own certification process. Green cleaning is now the most popular choice for service providers based on health and environmental reasons. Average test certification time 1 hour. Average course study time 2-4 hours. All course materials available online.

Green Cleaning Masters Certification (GCMC)- Take your green cleaning service to the next level! The IJCSA Green Masters Certification provides critical skills and expert knowledge necessary for service owners and employees to successfully understand and perform green natural cleaning in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The course uses the most effective freeware and open-source tools in the industry today and provides an in-depth understanding of natural green cleaning. This green cleaning master certification course is critical for any serious green cleaning provider. Over 150 exam questions (75 Essay Format) will completely test your knowledge and understanding of current green cleaning situations and concerns affecting the janitorial and cleaning industry. The most advanced green cleaning course available online today! Not for amateurs or green washers. Must pass GCC (3 hours) and CHC (3 hours) prior to taking this certification course. Average test certification time 3 hours. Average course study time 12-15 hours. All course materials available online.

Chemical Hazards Certification (CHC) Improve your understanding of the underlying health and environmental impacts of chemical hazards by reviewing the toxic effects of materials and the basic mechanism of MSDS. Average test certification time 1 hour. Average course study time 2-4 hours. All course materials available online.

Customer Service Certification (CSC) A company's reputation is only as good as the customer service it provides. Please a customer, and your client base will swell with relatives and neighbors who catch wind of your top-notch service. But upset one, and brace yourself for disaster. Average test certification time 1/2 hour. Average course study time 1 hour. All course materials available online.

Johnson & Johnson Ordered to Pay $572 Million in Landmark Opioid Trial

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:30:14 GMT

A judge in Oklahoma on Monday ruled that Johnson & Johnson had intentionally played down the dangers and oversold the benefits of opioids, and ordered it to pay the state $572 million in the first trial of a drug manufacturer for the destruction wrought by prescription painkillers.

The amount fell far short of the $17 billion judgment that Oklahoma had sought to pay for addiction treatment, drug courts and other services it said it would need over the next 20 years to repair the damage done by the opioid epidemic.

Prepare for your J&J cleaning and home products to be increased in price to cover this lawsuit. -Matt

More at source: New York Times

Find A Green Cleaning Service Here >>

One simple question. Why would you allow cancer causing cleaning chemicals in your home?

IJCSA - — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 12:47:37 GMT

Learn About Green Cleaning Here >>

Veteran salutes veterans by cleaning their gravestones

IJCSA - — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:13:48 GMT

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — Dale Reich frequents cemeteries. But the graves he visits are those of people he's never met, and in lieu of flowers, he brings a bucket, scrub brush and bottle of Dawn.

The 72-year-old Vietnam veteran has made it his mission in retirement to clean the headstones of veterans across Jefferson County and beyond. He's surpassed the 1,150 mark and recently completed nearly 200 at Fort Atkinson's Evergreen Cemetery.

"I love these guys, the veterans here, and the wives who suffered along with them when they got back home again or maybe suffered because they didn't get back home again," Reich said as he washed the inscription of "Edward G. Hausen," a veteran of the Spanish-American War.

More at source: Star Tribune

Find Your Local Janitorial Service Here >>

Find Your Local Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:46:29 GMT

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 12:51:28 GMT

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service Here

Why cleaning is good for your mental health

IJCSA - — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 11:42:08 GMT

Why cleaning is good for your mental health

A study published in the journal Mindfulness found that participants who mindfully washed up, ie they took time to try to take in the smell of the washing up liquid etc.. reported a 27% reduction in nervousness, along with a 25% improvement in "mental inspiration,” whatever that is.

Clearing the clutter can help ease stress too. A further study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, revealed that women living in a cluttered home showed higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

“Several studies have found that having clutter in our homes can have a negative impact on our mental health, resulting in feelings of tension and uncertainty,” Motley explains.

“Clutter can overstimulate the senses as it is often seen as unfinished business. As a result, large amounts of clutter can reduce our ability to concentrate on other tasks and affect our ability to focus,” she adds.

More at source: Yahoo

IJCSA - — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 16:55:12 GMT

A woman on youtube Tries To CLean Her Apartment ONly Using Robots.

There are many different cleaning robots available that vacuum, mop, wipe down windows and even scrub toilets. I went on Amazon to find four of the highest-rated cleaning robots and see if it was possible to have them clean my ENTIRE apartment.

For the money and time she wasted, she could have her apartment cleaned professionally once a week for about 7 weeks. - Matt

More at source: Tech Insider

Discuss This Video Here

Happy 4th Of July - IJCSA Offices Closed Till Monday

IJCSA - — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 11:28:51 GMT

IJCSA offices will be closed Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. All online services will be available. We wish everyone a Fun & Safe 4th Of July Weekend!

4 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods To Add To Your Green Cleaning Routine

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 11:55:03 GMT

Your cleaning products don’t simply vanish forever when they slide down the drain. They typically end up in a treatment plant. But, because treatment plants are rarely 100 percent effective in removing every last substance from water, some of these substances inevitably

end up finding their way into the environment. If you’re cleaning with truly safe substances like vinegar, this hardly matters. But if everyone is cleaning with toxic substances, the collective results could potentially be deadly to other living organisms, possibly including plankton in the water (which has seen an almost 50 percent decline globally in the recent past, according to CBC News) and perhaps then affecting countless other links in the food chain.

With so much at stake, it’s crucial for us all to give consideration to the products and methods we use for cleaning.

More at source: Blue & Green Tomorrow

Korean janitor may get to keep $325K worth of gold bars found in trash

IJCSA - — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 11:39:10 GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (WTHR) — A janitor in South Korea found a treasure in the trash at Incheon International Airport Thursday.

According to CNBC, local media reported the man found seven gold bars that were wrapped in newspaper and thrown away. A local news outlet said the gold belonged to a Korean man who instructed two other men to throw them away, fearing being searched in customs.

If no one claims the gold, the janitor, who has not been identified, will be able to keep it. If the owner does make a claim for it, the janitor would still be able to keep 5 to 20 percent of its market price, which would be between $16,250 and $65,000, according to the Korea Times.

However, if the gold is found to be linked to criminal activity, the janitor will not be able to have any part of it.

More at source: NBC 13

“In a Day’s Work” documents workplace sexual harassment of U.S. caregiving, janitorial and agricultural workers

IJCSA - — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 11:11:44 GMT

Bernice Yeung’s 2018 book In A Day’s Work, is an extremely readable yet detailed work that documents workplace sexual harassment and assault among janitorial, caregiving and agricultural workers in the United States. Yeung, a reporter for ProPublica from Berkeley, California, also demonstrates the ways in which these workers are fighting back through legal mechanisms with help from both governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Importantly, she also highlights major gaps in labor laws that deny rights to janitorial, caregiving and agricultural workers and how some local and state governments are working to fill these gaps. The book also focuses on how stereotypes create impediments to justice and encouraging attempts to change the way many in these industries view and react to sexual assault.

Yeung’s book is essential reading for anyone working in janitorial, caregiving or agricultural work, or is an undocumented immigrant or advocate for immigrant rights who is unsure about the rights and recourse to justice for sexual harassment and assault victims. Yeung details several non-governmental advocacy groups that can serve as examples for areas in the United States that currently lack necessary advocacy groups for janitors, caregivers, and farm workers. For example, Yeung describes how Vicky Marquez, a member of a southern California advocacy group for janitors, Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund (MCTF), goes from site to site to build personal relationships with janitorial staff.

More at source: IE Examiner

House expected to approve back pay for federal janitors from January shutdown

IJCSA - — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 22:05:52 GMT

7 Months Later & Still No Check!

The House of Representatives is expected to approve back pay this month for hundreds of thousands of federal contractors who went unpaid during the 35-day government shutdown during December and January, according to Democratic lawmakers.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) has pushed for Congress to approve back pay for hundreds of thousands of federal contractors affected by the government shutdown. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee announced that an upcoming government spending package will include back pay for an estimated 580,000 federal contractors, whose ranks include janitors, cooks, & security guards...

More at source: Washington Post

Find A Flood Damage Cleaning Service Here

IJCSA - — Wed, 29 May 2019 11:35:40 GMT

TULSA, Okla. — The 3,000 electronic games and gaming tables are silent at River Spirit Casino Resort as the water encroaches, idling more than 1,500 employees in an eerie scene threatening to repeat itself in flood-soaked communities across the Midwest and the Great Plains.

The 200,000-square-foot gambling mecca has been closed since the Arkansas River began flooding last week, and it's expected to remain closed until at least the middle of next week, said Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos, which operates the casino.

The casino's pool bar is under water, which has even entered its famed tiki bar, the resort said.

"We're still at the mercy of Mother Nature, waiting for the water to stop rising," Pat Crofts, the company's chief executive, said Tuesday.

The Army Corps of Engineers has been releasing 275,000 cubic feet of water per second from the Keystone Dam, which protects Tulsans from the waters of Keystone Lake and the Arkansas and Cimarron rivers upstream.

Authorities warned Tuesday that the release could raise standing floodwaters by more than a foot in Tulsa and the communities of Sand Springs and Bixby.

More at source: NBC

Hand dryers suck in fecal bacteria and blow it all over your hands, study finds

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 May 2019 10:24:49 GMT

Hand dryers suck in fecal bacteria and blow it all over your hands, study finds...

Your imagination can run wild thinking of the bacteria lurking in your home. But people tend to look in the wrong direction when it comes to fighting germs in the kitchen. Disinfect these seven germ sanctuaries as soon as possible.

YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Your refrigerator harbours bacteria in some surprising places. Ice and water dispensers, vegetable crispers, meat drawers, and door seals are some of the germiest!

To do: Use a disinfectant when you clean the fridge, do a white vinegar flush of the water dispenser, and clean and sanitize the ice maker and ice bin. If your fridge needs extra care (and elbow grease), consider hiring a cleaning service that offers appliance cleaning.

COUNTERTOP APPLIANCES

Countertop appliances need more intensive cleaning than you might think. In fact, not doing things like flushing your coffee maker and disinfecting your blender gasket can put you at risk of ingesting unsafe bacteria.

More at source: Hamilton Spectator

20th acquisition at Imperial Dade - On The Move

IJCSA - — Wed, 08 May 2019 21:56:47 GMT

With headquarters in Boylston, Mass., Butler-Dearden Paper Services Inc. has become the 20th acquisition with Robert and Jason Tillis at the helm of disposable food service and janitorial supply distribution company Imperial Dade.

On Tuesday, the Jersey City-based company announced its acquisition of Butler-Dearden, a distributor of packaging supplies, printer paper, chemicals and janitorial supplies, serving the New England area.

Imperial Dade said the move strengthens the company’s presence in the regional market.

“Butler-Dearden is a leading distributor in New England and has an excellent commitment to service, which makes it a great addition to the Imperial Dade platform,” Imperial Dade Chief Executive Officer Robert Tillis said in a prepared statement.

“This acquisition will enhance our ability to serve Butler-Dearden’s customers as well as our own,” said Jason Tillis, president, Imperial Dade, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to working with the Butler-Dearden team members and continuing to grow together.”

Last week, Bain Capital announced it agreed to acquire a majority stake in Imperial Dade, though the company will continue to be led by its current management team.

More at source: NJBiz.com

Do Adults Need a Measles Booster Shot?

IJCSA - — Wed, 08 May 2019 20:03:29 GMT

New York's ongoing measles epidemic alarmed midtown Manhattan resident Deb Ivanhoe, who couldn't remember whether she'd ever been vaccinated as a child.

So Ivanhoe, 60, sought out her long-time primary care doctor, who performed an antibody test to see whether she had any protection against measles.

To her surprise, the test revealed that Ivanhoe had no immunity to measles. Her doctor quickly gave her a measles booster shot.

"I'm a New Yorker. I'm out and about. I take the subway every day," Ivanhoe said of her concerns. "One of the outbreak areas is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I have friends in Williamsburg. I go to there to visit, for dinner. It all becomes local."

Ivanhoe is one of a growing number of adults who are worried that their immunity against measles might have lapsed, if they even received a vaccination.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has downplayed these concerns, saying that only adults in high-risk groups should talk with their doctor about a measles vaccination.

But experts are divided on whether the CDC is underestimating the threat posed by possibly waning immunity in adults.

More at source: US News

FInd A Cleaning Service Here

Bain Capital to acquire Imperial Dade

IJCSA - — Thu, 02 May 2019 20:59:42 GMT

Press Release: Bain Capital announced it has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Imperial Dade, a distributor of disposable food service and janitorial supplies with headquarters in Jersey City.

Imperial Dade will continue to be led by its current management team, who will remain significant investors in the company. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1935, Imperial Dade serves more than 40,000 customers through a footprint of 27 branches operating in 13 states and has a growing a network of strategically located distribution centers with over 620 fleet vehicles. The company has grown both organically and by acquisition to become a leader in the disposable food service and janitorial supplies industry.

“We are pleased to welcome an experienced investment partner who shares our vision for building Imperial Dade into a national distributor of foodservice and janitorial supplies, and who will support our efforts to seize the many opportunities we see in the marketplace,” said Robert Tillis, Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Dade.

“With Bain Capital’s extensive resources and experience with industrial distribution businesses, we are excited to drive our next phase of growth and continue to strengthen our value proposition and service offering,” said Jason Tillis, President of Imperial Dade.

The transaction is supported by fully committed debt financing. It is expected to close during the second quarter of 2019 and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Harris Williams is serving as M&A advisor, and Ropes & Gray LLP is serving as legal advisor to Imperial Dade. Credit Suisse, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs & Co. are serving as financial advisors, Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel, and PwC as accounting advisor to Bain Capital Private Equity.

15 reusable cleaning products that are more sustainable than their traditional counterparts

IJCSA - — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 23:20:24 GMT

Caring about the environment and caring about a clean home don't have to be mutually exclusive. Though most of the cleaning products and tools sold on the shelf are disposable, a striking amount of them are actually reusable — which is good for the environment and your wallet.

When the movement toward "green cleaning" began, there were very few products that approached the benchmark of being both high-quality and good for the Earth at the same time. Yes, there was the ol' kitchen mop and the bacteria-infested sink rag, but more often than not, reusable meant repulsive.

More at source: New Haven Register

TARGET RELEASES IT’S OWN ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:31:05 GMT

Target just released a new line of eco friendly cleaning products on Earth Day. This new line is called Everspring and it includes 70 different household products. Target says that these products are up to 20% cheaper than products that are similar but with name brands.

The 70 different products include "laundry detergent, paper towels, hand and face wipes, multi-purpose cleaner and more." In Target's announcement of this launch, they say that they want guests to "feel confident they’re purchasing essentials for their home that include ingredients and components they want and have the efficacy they need to get daily routines done."

More at source: Target

Earth Day: 14 everyday things you can do to help the planet

IJCSA - — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 13:03:22 GMT

Here are 13 everyday things you can do to help our planet

1. Turn your computer off overnight: By reducing power use, you will not only save a few bucks, but you'll also help reduce your footprint.

2. Don't pre-rinse dishes: With a good detergent, your dishes will be just as clean and you can save gallons upon gallons of water per load.

3. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs: This is one of the easiest ways to reduce power use. LED or CFL lights will use a fraction of the energy incandescent bulbs use.

4. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth: Humans can use up for five gallons of water while running the tap during brushing. Just turn it off. You don't need that water.

5. Opt out of a bath and into a shower: Baths use about double the amount of water a shower uses.

6. Adjust your thermostat: By dropping your in-home temp even one degree, you'll save money and energy, along with helping the planet. Throw a sweater on, it's cozy!

7. Do a light check before leaving (or while home): Be sure to turn your lights off before leaving the house. Or, turn off lights in rooms you're not using.

8. RECYCLE: Almost everything in your house can be recycles, including cell phones, wire hangers, glass, aluminum, paper, plastic, boxes, bags and bottles. Find a local recycle center.

9. Use a reusable bag for groceries: Those plastic bags you get at the store are a huge hazard to the planet. They sit in landfills and often end up in the ocean.

10. Don't use coffee stirrers or straws: About 140 million straws and stirrers are thrown away every year in the U.S. Using a spoon to stir and just avoiding straws is a great way to help the environment.

11. Go paperless: Most services now offer paperless billing options, like banks, loans, and your every month bills. Check with your provider for paperless options.

12. Use rechargeable batteries: Throwing away batteries can be extremely damaging when they end up in landfills. The up front cost of recharging will save you money in the future.

13. Go vegetarian for a day: If you can cut down on meat, even once per week, you can have an immense effect on the planet's health. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef.

14. Use only green cleaning products or find a green cleaning service here.

Happy Easter!

IJCSA - — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 11:05:00 GMT

Follow IJCSA On Facebook Here

What's Behind The Increase Of Measles Cases In The U.S.

IJCSA - — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 11:15:51 GMT

The dozens of new infections take the count to 465 confirmed cases this year, the second-greatest number of reported cases in a year since 2000, when measles was declared eliminated in the United States.

At the current rate, the country would surpass by midyear the number of measles cases in 2014, when an outbreak among unvaccinated Amish communities in Ohio helped drive the total to 667 reported cases, the high mark for this century.

In Brooklyn, a large outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish community prompted New York City to declare a public health emergency on Tuesday. Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the city would require unvaccinated people living in select ZIP codes in the Williamsburg neighborhood to receive the measles vaccine.

More at source: NY Times

Walmart Announces A New Addition To Its Workforce: Thousands Of Robots

IJCSA - — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 20:07:44 GMT

A new tech trend has emerged at the world's largest retailer, as Walmart brings on board thousands of robots in nearly 5,000 of its 11,348 stores. According to CNN Business, these robots will be scrubbing floors, scanning boxes, unloading trucks and tracking shelf inventory at mostly domestic U.S. locations.

Robots will replace lower-level jobs—serving in janitorial functions as well as performing basic inventory work—in order to manage rising costs. A new robot unloader has already been used on the docks in hundreds of stores, pulling boxes from delivery trucks while automatically scanning and sorting merchandise. The unloader will be deployed at over 1,100 retail locations in the near future.

"Automating certain tasks," according to Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon on CNN, "gives associates more time to do work they find fulfilling and to interact with customers."

More at source: Forbes

How To Do Laundry The Green Way

IJCSA - — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:30:37 GMT

Everybody needs clean clothes, but the chemical pollution and greenhouse gases created on laundry day can be bad for the planet.

Use cold water

Using hot water to wash your clothes can be useful because it kills bacteria and germs. If you’re cleaning bedsheets that were used by a sick person, for example, you’ll want to turn up the heat. But hot water also loosens dyes, which are really just stains that you want on your clothes.

Hot water washing comes with environmental problems too. Up to 90% of the energy your washer uses goes to heating water. Flip the dial to cold and you’re not only conserving energy, you could be saving up to $0.60 per load. By some estimates, the average American family washes more than 300 loads a year, meaning they could annually save more than $180 by keeping the water temperature down.

More at source: Popular Science

A greener clean: Recipes for do-it-yourself cleaning products

IJCSA - — Sat, 06 Apr 2019 14:52:17 GMT

Cleaning is often associated with spring. It is a refresher for the home during a season embodied by growth and new beginnings. In that spirit, do-it-yourself cleaning products are an easy, cost-effective and environmentally conscious way to accomplish the task.

The term “DIY” can sometimes translate into “difficult” or “time consuming,” but not so with homemade, toxin-free cleaners that combine inexpensive household items, said Aaron Virgin, vice president of Group for the East End.

There are several reasons to use do-it-yourself cleaners, he said.

“When you buy the products at the grocery store and read the label, it will probably be a list of ingredients you’ve never heard of. These chemicals are persistent and they stay in the environment for a long time,” Virgin said. “Even someone who doesn’t consider themselves an environmentalist can feel better knowing that less-harmful chemicals will be around their house and they’ll be saving money. It is a win-win.”

More at source: North Forker

How America’s Biggest Theater Chains Are Exploiting Their Janitors

IJCSA - — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:28:02 GMT

How America’s Biggest Theater Chains Are Exploiting Their Janitors

Every night, after the last show ended at the AMC theater in Santa Monica, Maria Alvarez arrived at work.

She and her husband had a key to let themselves in. It was after midnight, and the building was empty. Together, they cleaned all seven auditoriums. They vacuumed the carpets and mopped the floors. They cleaned the bathrooms and restocked the toilet paper. They polished the escalators and scrubbed the glass concession cases.

They finished after sunrise. On weekends, when the theaters were especially dirty, they stayed later, until 9:30 a.m. Alvarez worked seven days a week. There were no days off, no sick days, no holidays.

Dirty Work For Robots: How Two Young Immigrant Entrepreneurs Created Oven-Sized Roombas To Chase A $5B Opportunity

IJCSA - — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 11:32:22 GMT

On a recent late-winter afternoon, 31-year-old Faizan Sheikh, cofounder and chief executive officer of Avidbots, shows off what the company’s 1,050-pound cleaning robot, Neo, can do. Inside an enclosure made of thousands of giant white, blue and yellow Lego bricks at the company’s factory in Kitchener, Ontario, the robot goes through a quality assurance test, turning corners and scrubbing the floor as it goes.

Lights along the bottom of the machine glow blue as it moves autonomously, then turn fuchsia as it stops to remap its route, aided by artificial intelligence. Once the machine is fully vetted in the Lego test zone, it will be loaded into a wooden crate and lined up with a handful of others that are waiting to be shipped to customers. Walking the floor, Sheikh, wearing a gray puffy jacket over a blue Avidbots T-shirt, can barely contain his excitement. “Avidbots,” he says, “is like a fantasy space for engineers.”

More at source: Forbes

ABM and AEG Renew Partnership at Landmark Southern California Venues

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 13:19:35 GMT

NEW YORK, March 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABM (NYSE: ABM), a leading provider of facility solutions, today announced it will continue its partnership with AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, in providing janitorial services for five of AEG’s premier West Coast facilities: STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater, Pechanga Arena San Diego, Dignity Health Sports Park and L.A. LIVE.

“In renewing our partnership with AEG, we understand that AEG is entrusting us to service these world-class facilities. It is our responsibility and privilege to help ensure that these venues offer exceptional experiences for all guests and event staff, and we take it very seriously,” said Rene Jacobsen, Executive Vice President and President of Business & Industry at ABM.

This renewal underscores the confidence AEG places in ABM, as well as the productivity AEG has been able to achieve with a facility solutions partner like ABM, who can flex with its needs. STAPLES Center, for example, celebrated the hosting of its 200^th “double header” in 2018.

This amazing milestone was possible in part because of ABM’s quick turn-around of the venue between events. Video Below:

“We are proud of our longstanding relationship with ABM,” said Nick Baker, Chief Operating Officer, AEG Global Partnerships. “We partner with ABM in Southern California, across the U.S., and around the globe because they continually demonstrate that our success is their success. ABM is a best-in-class partner that helps us create exceptional experiences at our facilities for our fans and guests.”

More at source: Globe News Wire

Tips to stay safe during spring cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:07:18 GMT

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - It’s the last weekend of winter and on Wednesday we’ll be welcoming spring.

With warmer temperatures on the way, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. While scrubbing, dusting and mopping, it’s important to stay healthy.

First, check the labels. The American Lung Association suggests choosing products that have no, or low amounts of things called VOC’s, volatile organic compounds. Many cleaning products, such as aerosol sprays and chlorine bleach, release these dangerous chemicals. The gases can irritate your eyes, nose and throat, make you nauseous and can even damage your central nervous system.

Also, make sure the room or space you are cleaning is ventilated. If you're using harsher cleaners like bleach, wear gloves or other protective clothing to avoid contact with your skin.

More at source: Wave 3 News

Find Professional Certified Green Cleaning Services Here

Green Is Easy For Us! Happy St. Patrick`s Day!

IJCSA - — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:08:21 GMT

IJCSA Buyers Guide - Add Your Supplier Please

IJCSA - — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 11:19:13 GMT

Attention Members:

We are launching the New IJCSA Buyers Guide and need your help. If you purchased any service or product that you are extremely happy with please forward this email to your supplier. They can claim a free listing in the new buyers guide.

The type of companies we want: Website design services, janitorial suppliers, tax accountants, payroll companies, specialty service companies, or special product distributors, travel companies, natural green cleaning product suppliers, attorneys, business software solutions.. etc... pretty much any company that you would recommend that gave you outstanding service and would give good service to other members.

- You can also use this advertising opportunity for them as a special thank you to them for giving you great service.

Thank You, Matt | IJCSA

See On Twitter

New! Launching the IJCSA Buyers Guide and seeking companies that would like to offer our members specials & deals on their products or services. Do you have a service or product that may be beneficial to our 4300+ members? Create your free account here: https://www.ijcsa.org/2019-Buyers-Guide-Listing/

CDC Reports Second Wave Of Severe Flu Cases

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 02:28:05 GMT

CDC Reports Second Wave Of Severe Flu Cases

(KCCI) – Flu activity is still high across the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control says the season may not have peaked yet but there’s a second wave of severe infections impacting some states.

According to the latest weekly report, between October 1st and March 2nd, there were as many as 26.3 million flu illnesses.

But hospitalization rates are a lot lower than last season.

Health experts advise everyone six months and older to get their flu shot.

More at source: WLTZ & CDC

Over 1000+ ABM cabin cleaning, janitorial workers getting laid off at Atlanta airport

IJCSA - — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 23:16:32 GMT

Over 1000+ ABM cabin cleaning, janitorial workers getting laid off at Atlanta airport

The official notice states "This action is expected to be a permanent action for ABM, and we understand that DGS [Delta Global Services] will be assuming this contract effective April 12, 2019," according to Atlanta Business Chronicle.

1,121 Atlanta employees will be laid off this time around.

Poston said he slipped when he was walking into the bathroom in Section 149.

According to the lawsuit, here’s what caused him to fall:

Someone vomited inside a stall, and stadium personnel tried to clean it up using a substance, called “D-Vour.”

More at source: Cincinnati.com

Store Manager's Fall Yields $1.5 Million Settlement With Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:54:57 GMT

A store manager who claimed that an on-the-job fall was to blame for spinal injuries necessitating surgery was paid a $1.5 million settlement on Jan. 7 in his Monmouth County suit against the company tasked with cleaning the store, Giannone v. Professional Janitorial Maid Services.

On the early morning of May 30, 2014, Frank Giannone, then 57, was at the Marshalls store on Central Avenue in Clark, opening up the store for employees to enter and begin working. As he walked from the front doors back to his office, he slipped and fell on a wet floor, he claimed in his suit, which named as a defendant Professional Janitorial Maid Services LLC of Eatontown, which provided cleaning services for the store.

More at source: Law.com

Find A Spring Cleaning Service Here

Slip and fall, lawsuit, slip & fall cleaning service, janitorial insurance for slip and fall

Spring Cleaning Gadgets That Are Wow!

IJCSA - — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 13:08:20 GMT

With the recent polar vortex and all the cold weather still hanging around much of the nation, spring cleaning might be the last thing on your mind. And that's fine, for now.

But before you know it, the sun will be shining bright, birds will be chirping relentlessly and flowers will be budding. You'll definitely want to open the windows, get some fresh air and scrub away all the grimy remnants from the long cold winter.

More at source: Kim Komando

NJ Janitorial Supplier Facing 15 Years In Jail & A Half Million Dollars In Fines For Fraud

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 13:05:56 GMT

As part of his scheme, and to ensure that his fraudulent invoices were accepted, Bleicher paid a contractor working in the facilities department of Company 1 who was responsible for the janitorial supplies.

Once that contractor left, Bleicher continued his fraudulent activity with the contractor’s replacement and rewarded him by buying him expensive dinners, taking him to professional sports games like the Philadelphia 76ers, and providing him with expensive wines.

Later, Bleicher recruited an employee of Company 1 and gave her the fraudulent invoices to submit for payment.

Bleicher admitted that he used the money he got from the scheme – $1,917,381,00 – on numerous personal expenditures, such as Rolex watches, two Rolls Royce automobiles, two Subaru automobiles, motorcycles, home renovations and college tuition for his children.

More at source: NJ Today

CDC warns of infected deer meat in 24 states

IJCSA - — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 13:32:00 GMT

WARNING! - This is a biohazard cleaning situation. Any member, employee, or cleaning service that is cleaning any facility that processes or handles any deer, elk, or moose meat or anything that is related to wild game processing OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Standards should be followed.

CNN - Chronic wasting disease has been detected in wild deer, elk or moose in 24 States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning hunters to avoid handling or eating potentially infected meat.

The disease affects the central nervous system and animals can show signs of drastic weight loss, lack of coordination and listlessness. It can make them more aggressive and less afraid of human contact, the center says.

It's in the same family of disease as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which the CDC describes as "a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorder."

In Tennessee, cases of CWD as of Jan. 2019 include:

Fayette County
Hardeman County

In Virginia, the cases include:

Frederick
Shenandoah

The center says scientists believe the contagious disease is passed between animals through bodily fluids.

More at source: WJHL

IJCSA On Facebook & Twitter Links

IJCSA - — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 13:15:27 GMT

Are you following IJCSA on Twitter & Facebook - Remember, when you are sharing or retweeting photos from our social media your followers are receiving a direct link to find your business in the directory.

IJCSA is on Twitter at the following link. Industry news and advertisements for the association.

IJCSA Social Forums for networking, business discussion, how-to, & so much more! Create Account Here

IJCSA Facebook at this link with motivation and advertisements for the association.

Free estimates on beautiful clean carpets -> https://t.co/ifkARX0WgT .. 100% non toxic cleaning procedures that are safe for children, pets, & you! Professional certified companies! Call today! ... #cleaning #janitorial #carpetcleaning #greencleaning pic.twitter.com/ASGqGM9sDN
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) February 15, 2019

Palmer company creates unprecedented cleaning machine for Navy

IJCSA - — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 12:12:04 GMT

A Palmer company is getting ready to ship out the first piece of machinery made under its multi-million-dollar contract for the Navy, using technology 15 years in the making.

The final product is called MCRRS, short for Mobile Cleaning Reclaim Recycle System. It's designed to clean flight decks on aircraft carriers.

Triverus CEO Hans Vogel is the man behind the idea.

"Sometimes people talk about us being like high-tech janitors, and that's kind of what we are," Vogel said.

The Navy needed a new method of keeping their flight decks clean and safe, according to Vogel. He wanted to create something that would prevent oil and fuel spills from slickening the deck as well as prevent particles or debris from being sucked into aircraft engines, all while keeping the environment safe.

More at source: KTVA

The Brutal Economy of Cleaning Other People’s Messes, for $9 an Hour

IJCSA - — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 11:31:02 GMT

The Brutal Economy of Cleaning Other People’s Messes, for $9 an Hour

Cleaning, which soon became the main source of Land’s income (she also did yardwork), proved grueling and tedious labor. To every house, she lugged “two spray bottles, one container of powdered Comet, two sponges, one pair of yellow gloves, 50 white rags, two dusters, one Oreck vacuum, two mop handles.” As a rule, she started in the upper left corner of the building or room and worked her way across and down until she was done — not unlike a reader. Her boss referred to her as the business’s best cleaner. Clients who had found fault with other employees did not complain about her.

More at source: New York Times

Find A Maid Service Here

Do Cleaning Products Really Cause Cancer?

IJCSA - — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 11:56:46 GMT

Do Cleaning Products Really Cause Cancer?

During the research, a control group of 787 women from Massachusetts who have been diagnosed with breast cancer were compared to healthy (non-cancer diagnosed) 721 women of the same or similar age who have lived in or around the same area. All participants were questioned about their family health history, living habits such as eating, smoking, alcohol use, exercise, etc. They were also asked about their use of pesticides and cleaning products.

The Outcome

The results from the study show that the top 25% of women who reported highest use of cleaning products were at least 2 times more likely to develop breast cancer than those who reported the lowest use. The participants who indicated that they use air fresheners and mould and mildew removers often had 70% increased chance of cancer. These statistics sound really scary, but there is a spinner.

More at source: News Anyway

Facing rent and mortgage payments, federal janitorial contractors demand back pay

IJCSA - — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:40:05 GMT

Facing rent and mortgage payments, federal Janitorial contractors demand back pay

Seeking fair pay for federal workers

This afternoon, a coalition of lawmakers and members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) held a press conference to announce a concerted push for contractor back pay.

The Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act, supported by a number of Democrats in the House and Senate, would provide up to $600 per paycheck in back pay for furloughed federal contracted employees, including janitorial, food and security workers, tapping into money already allocated to pay workers in January..

More at source: Curbed

More Janitorial & Cleaning News Here

How to Green Clean Your Washing Machine

IJCSA - — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:03:47 GMT

How to Green Clean Your Washing Machine

First things first, the seals and gasket cavities need to be taken care of. Take some old towels and soak them in white vinegar for a while. Place the towels inside of the gasket cavity and leave them for an hour. This allows the mold and dirt to loosen up, making it easier to clean off. Using a fresh, clean towel, wipe off the gasket cavities. Using an old toothbrush, scrub off the remaining residue from the cavities and the door seals, and wipe clean afterword’s.

Set Your Washer to The Hottest Setting

Now, turn on your washer to the hottest setting. To increase efficiency, ensure that the setting is using the largest load and longest cycle as well. This helps to wash and rinse off the remaining residue in the gasket cavities.
Use Vinegar and Baking Soda ...

More at source: TheFrisky.com

Government cleaning contractors may not get paid back after the shutdown is over

IJCSA - — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 12:51:57 GMT

Government cleaning contractors may not getpaid back after the shutdown is over.

"Let’s say I have a janitorial service and I clean buildings for Tinker Air Force. If the government shuts down, so they no longer hire me…my company to do that and I no longer send employees to do that work…those employees, I’m not going to get paid as a company for work that wasn’t performed which means those employees that work for me, they’re not going to get paid for work that wasn’t employed," he explained. "It can be rough. Some are having to look for second jobs or maybe first jobs.

Maybe they’re looking to do something else and this is something people need to keep in mind. Sometimes working for a federal contract might sound like, oh this is going to be good. This is going to be stable. But there are times when you have conflict in government that are causes these types of periods."

More at source: KFOR

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 00:02:50 GMT

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Three floors of a Jefferson Parish government building sustained “significant” water damage after a “janitorial mishap” Saturday (Jan. 5), according to parish news release.

The Jefferson Parish General Government Building in the 200 block of Derbigny Drive will be open for normal operations Monday, despite the ongoing effort to clean up and repair the third, fourth and fifth floors.

In a statement, Parish President Mike Yenni applauded Anthony Francis, Director of General Services and the General Services team for their quick response, calling it "another example of great work by our dedicated Jefferson Parish employees.”

Left the water running in the deep sink with a bucket blocking the drain? - Matt

More at source: Fox News

Find A Professional Janitorial Service Here

A Good Reason To Have Janitorial Insurance Here

How Long Cold and Flu Germs Can Live on Surfaces Like Doorknobs and Subway Poles

IJCSA - — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 00:02:20 GMT

Even if you’re not usually a germaphobe, cold and flu season can have the strongest-willed of us feeling squeamish about touching things like bus and subway poles, doorknobs, and even shaking a stranger’s hand. As many moms like to remind their kids: You don’t know where that hand has been. And during the colder months, when it seems that everyone is sniffling and sneezing, a hands-off policy may seem smart.

But how likely is it really that you’d get sick from touching an infected handrail or countertop?

Pretty likely, Alison Carey, MD, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology at Drexel University, tells Health. “Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces (like bus poles) .. door knobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, elevator buttons, gas pumps... etc. and infect another person for 24 to 48 hours,” she says. “Cold viruses don’t survive as long—usually a few hours. But there is evidence that they can survive and be passed on for up to 24 hours.”

More at source: Health.com

'Uber of house cleaning' app launches in Edmonton

IJCSA - — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 18:34:11 GMT

A new Edmonton-based app aims to become the "Uber of house cleaning."

"Everyone has watched the growth of Uber and Skip the Dishes and all these other on-demand services and, for whatever reason, ... no one has really touched cleaning," said Angus Gastle, CEO of CleanNow on CBC's Radio Active.

"Maybe it's not sexy or maybe they don't understand it."

Handy, a cleaning service app developed in the New York, is available in Toronto and Vancouver, but, for now, there still isn't a service like this available across Canada, Gastle said.

CleanNow launched in Edmonton in November with plans to expand to Calgary and then across Canada, he said.

Gastle said he has already connected with 5,000 cleaners throughout the country.

More at source: CBC

Get All The New Logos Here

2019 IJCSA Certification Logos

IJCSA - — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 16:25:33 GMT

Attention Members: The new updated 2019 cert logos are released. Please update your websites, cards, advertisements.. etc.

Thank You & Happy New Year!

Need A Last Minute Christmas Housecleaning?

IJCSA - — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:54:57 GMT

Free Estimates Here>>

Washing your hands and other tips for avoiding that flu bug flying around the office

IJCSA - — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 16:16:36 GMT

Local employers are scrambling to keep their offices flu free after more than 80,000 Americans died from flu-related illnesses last year − the highest death toll in more than 40 years.

Unfortunately, many workers who come to work sick pass along germs at the office, which becomes a breeding ground for disease. Studies indicate the average adult brings their fingers to the nose, mouth or eyes about 16 times per hour, and germs thrive on human touch. The flu can cost the United States up to $167 billion per year in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

That’s why local cleaning pros with Stratus Building Solutions, the nation’s leading commercial cleaning and janitorial company, have created “Fight the Office Flu” kits to help businesses stay as flu-free as possible.

More at source: Omaha.com

The man behind United Maintenance and his controversial past

IJCSA - — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:08:40 GMT

United Maintenance — one of the O’Hare Airport contract-holders cited by Chicago’s former aviation commissioner as getting special attention from Ald. Ed Burke — has made headlines before.

The janitorial services firm is run by Rick Simon, a former Chicago police officer with a controversial past.

Simon once had on his payroll a man who served prison time after being indicted along with the late mob boss Anthony “Big Tuna” Accardo.

Simon also was partners in a heavy equipment company with a man who has been described by law enforcement as a member of the mob.

More at source: Chicago Sun Times

It's flu season: What you need to know

IJCSA - — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 19:28:14 GMT

A severe respiratory illness, the flu can be easily spread -- usually from coughing or sneezing -- and can lead to severe complications and even death.

On average each year, about 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications.

So how can we change these statistics?

"The best way to avoid getting the flu is to give your body a better chance to fight infection, and that starts with a flu shot," said Dr. Lubna Madani, north region medical director, Northwestern Medicine. "Flu vaccines may vary in effectiveness from year to year, but getting the shot increases your chances of being protected and lessens your symptoms if you do get ill."

Flu myths

A total of 139 contract workers who provide housekeeping and janitorial services at Chippenham Hospital and Johnston-Willis Hospital are being laid off.

The workers are employees of Wayne, Pa.-based Crothall Healthcare.

A Crothall Healthcare spokeswoman confirmed the company’s contract with Chippenham and Johnston-Willis hospitals was not renewed.

The hospitals are operated by HCA Virginia.

Crothall Healthcare notified the Virginia Employment Commission of the layoffs on Thursday.

More at source at: Richmond.com

How to decode confusing labels on common household cleaners

IJCSA - — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:12:28 GMT

Have you ever aimed cleaning spray at your kitchen countertops and wondered what is actually inside the bottle? With all of the confusing chemicals and terms listed on product labels, it can be hard to know what is inside the cleaning products we bring into our homes.

It might be impossible to recognize every ingredient in your cleaners, but if you read the label carefully, there are ways to determine the safer options on the market. If you are confused by your cleaning product labels, here is a guide to help you decode some of the common label terms you’ll find.

More at the source: Inhabitat

Chinese authorities inspect hotels after video exposes unsanitary cleaning practices

IJCSA - — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 15:00:21 GMT

BEIJING – Chinese authorities are inspecting several major international hotels after hidden camera video showed room cleaning workers using soiled towels to clean cups and glasses and other questionable practices.

The Chinese tourism ministry said late Thursday that it had asked authorities in Beijing, Shanghai and three provinces to investigate 14 hotels that appear in the video. Several of the hotels including a Sheraton and Waldorf Astoria have apologized.

The nearly The 12-minute video, posted online earlier this week, shows workers cleaning bathrooms. In several clips, they can be seen wiping down sinks, coffee cups and glasses with the same used towel. One wipes a glass with the bottom edge of her cleaning uniform.

An activist blogger who uses the pseudonym “Huazong” posted the video late Wednesday on his verified account on Weibo, a Chinese version of Twitter. He calls the problem longstanding and widespread, writing that he spent 2,000 nights at 147 hotels over six years. The video has been viewed more than 30 million times.

More at source: USA Today

Janitors Are Our Invisible Heroes

IJCSA - — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:31:48 GMT

Those who keep the spaces we occupy clean and functioning are incredibly important. Schools, offices and hospitals and other public places obviously don’t clean themselves. The people who take on this dirty job are janitors and their work should never go unnoticed, but often does. A common narrative around janitors is that their jobs are deemed unimportant. Because of this, their work isn’t acknowledged in the way that it should be.

A person’s work is theirs and deserves to be recognized. Even though it may not be “conventional,” it’s still a job. But why are janitorial jobs considered “unconventional” in the first place? I think that they have been deemed this in society because there is the connotation that cleaning up after others isn’t a job worthy of acknowledgment. However, there’s more to a janitorial job than cleaning up after someone. Without janitors, facilities wouldn’t be able to operate in the ways that they are supposed to on an everyday basis.

More at source: The Carolinian

Follow IJCSA On Facebook Here

IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THIS? Photo of a woman cleaning windows is shared by police with a sinister warning

IJCSA - — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:08:55 GMT

POLICE have shared this seemingly innocent image of a woman cleaning a window - but can you spot what's wrong with it?

Across the UK, members of the public are being warned to be vigilant if they spot someone carrying out household jobs - because the real reason could be much more sinister.

In the image, a woman can be seen in a large bay window wiping the glass.

“It was the first time the entire system had been put together. There were a lot of theories about how it would work, but real life is always different,” Ferrari said.

The trial went well, so the system was disassembled and towed to its final placement 1,200 nautical miles out, halfway between the West Coast and Hawaii to the middle of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It took almost two weeks to sail to the spot, where the staff once again put the device together and began testing it.

More at source: USA Today

Indianapolis Janitors Push for Health Care, Sick Days, and a Living Wage

IJCSA - — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 12:22:02 GMT

Forty-eight Indianapolis janitors and supporters, including two Indianapolis City-County Council members, were arrested while staging a sit-in October 25 at the intersection next to the corporate headquarters of Eli Lilly, Indiana’s richest corporation. The pharmaceutical giant is Indianapolis’s leading corporate philanthropist, currently spearheading a $13 million United Way campaign to alleviate poverty, in a city where 1 in 5 residents lives in poverty.

But among the city’s poor are the subcontracted janitors who clean Eli Lilly’s buildings, who start at a meager $9.75 an hour. At the rally, Lilly janitors shared stories. One speaker had been left homeless—unable to afford a security deposit and first month’s rent combined, despite full-time work. A whopping 88 percent of the city’s union janitors can’t afford the health insurance offered. “Our lives, our children, and our future are at stake,” said Clarence Jones, one of the Lilly janitors who spoke at the rally.

More at source: Labor Notes

Customer blames janitorial service for fall @ Home Depot

IJCSA - — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 14:57:05 GMT

CLEARWATER — A Pinelllas County customer is suing a janitorial service company, alleging negligence caused his fall in a Home Depot store.

Elliot Pinto filed a complaint on Sept. 27 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Diversified Maintenance Systems Inc., alleging the defendant failed to maintain Home Depot's premises in a reasonably safe condition.

According to the complaint, on Feb. 18, 2017, Pinto went to the Home Depot store, 10550 Park Blvd., Seminole, when he slipped on the substance that appeared to be standing water, causing him to fall and sustain injuries.

Pinto says Diversified Maintenance is responsible to ensure that the floor of the store was not left in a slippery and dangerous condition. The plaintiff alleges Diversified Maintenance Systems failed to warn invitees of the danger of a slipping substance and failed to correct, or adequately correct the dangerous condition of the substance that appeared on the Home Depot floor.

Pinto seeks trial by jury, damages in excess of $15,000, plus interest, court costs and attorney fees. He is represented by attorney Paul Gross of Morgan & Morgan in St. Petersburg.

More at source: Florida Record

Nearly 50 Eli Lilly janitors, others removed from rally for higher wages, health care

IJCSA - — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 13:28:42 GMT

SEIU organizers told IndyStar contract negotiations with SBM Management Services, the company that contracts the staffers to Downtown companies, have stalled. SEIU organizers say it comes down to SBM asking Lilly for funds to help cover the cost of raises and benefits.

Perkins, a 36-year-old single father of two, works 80-hour weeks at two janitorial jobs to make ends meet. Among the group removed by police Thursday, Perkins told IndyStar before the demonstration that he felt compelled to speak up.

“This new turn, this new movement, this new fresh air of confidence," he said, "and making sure that we get the message across that we’re just as human as y’all are."

More at source: Indy Star

Labor Board: Secondary Picketing Not Protected, Subcontracted Janitors Lawfully Fired

IJCSA - — Wed, 24 Oct 2018 15:50:19 GMT

In a ruling that may affect many industries, a three-member panel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has held that a group of subcontracted janitors in San Francisco were justifiably fired after engaging in secondary picketing at the building where they worked. Preferred Building Services, Inc., 366 NLRB No. 159 (Aug. 28, 2018). The Board ruled the employees engaged in conduct unprotected by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) when they urged the building’s tenants to “take responsibility” and help improve the janitors’ working conditions. The Board said the workers essentially were pressuring the building to cease doing business with their employer.

Background

The janitors worked for Ortiz Janitorial Services (OJS). OJS had a contract with Preferred Building Services, Inc. Preferred contracted with building management companies in the San Francisco Bay Area to provide janitorial services, and it often fulfilled its obligations by subcontracting work to various other entities, including OJS. In fall of 2014, building management company Harvest Properties contracted with Preferred to service one of Harvest’s buildings. Preferred, in turn, subcontracted the work to OJS.

More at source: Lexology

BART custodians learning new techniques to clean blood, urine, ‘hot lunches’

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 15:00:05 GMT

As a result, employees haphazardly doused floors and restrooms, judging whether a surface was clean by how it looked and smelled. They wasted cleaning products and caused more dirt to accumulate, Ivey said, because the puddles of cleanser attracted residue.

“It used to be we were eyeballing measurements of chemicals, thinking, ‘Oh, it should be such-and-such,’” said Elsie Tucker, who has worked as a cleaner and supervisor at BART for 20 years and will take over training now that Ivey’s contract is up.

More at source: San Francisco Chronicle

Even janitors have noncompetes now. Nobody is safe.

IJCSA - — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 13:39:20 GMT

Really what this is all about: whether workers are allowed to leave for greener pastures or their bosses are given the green light to put up such high fences around them that they’re forced to stay. In other words, it’s about power: who has it and who doesn’t. Or, more precisely, whom we give it to and whom we don’t.

If we create a legal framework that puts workers on an equal footing, then they can go get a raise without having to wait for their employers to deign to give it to them. But if we don’t, then those bosses, secure in the knowledge that their employees can’t easily leave, can get away with offering only minuscule pay increases, if that.

More at source: Washington Post

Cleaning Crews Find Cremated Remains in Old Funeral Home

IJCSA - — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 13:14:38 GMT

The anonymous tip that brought state investigators to the former Cantrell Funeral Home at 10400 Mack Avenue revealed nine bodies in a cardboard box, and two inside a trash bag placed in a casket.

The building's new owner, who purchased it about a month ago, said the interior smelled horribly, and he'd removed four dumpsters of garbage as he started renovating it into a community center.

Officials on Sunday still had no answers to why the bodies were there, and none of the identities of the infants or their relatives had been disclosed.

Lisa Croff, spokeswoman from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, said the office is working with Detroit police and other agencies to get the infants and families identified.

More at source: Detroit Free Press

Discuss Article Here

Playing Russian Roulette With Dangerous Cleaning Chemicals

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 15:24:28 GMT

Discuss this article here.

Skyline Robotics Raises $3M To Automate Dangerous Window Cleaning For Skyscrapers

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:29:29 GMT

Robots are poised to disrupt every single industry, starting with more workers being replaced from assembly line factories by industrial robots. Next, self-driving cars have already logged nearly two million miles

on public roads, and soon robots will mix our margaritas at our favorite bars, collect our garbage, and stock supermarket isles more efficiently. They will also look after our elderly. But getting humans out of harm’s way ..

More at source: Forbes

Find a HUMAN window cleaning service here.

Florida Eyes Turn to Cleanup After Powerful Hurricane Michael

IJCSA - — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:59:18 GMT

Florida Governor Rick Scott promised a strong relief effort from his administration Thursday after the state was slammed by Hurricane Michael, the most powerful storm to hit the U.S. mainland in 50 years.

“We are going to be aggressive with recovery and response over the coming days and will do everything we can to assist our communities that have seen impacts from this devastating storm,” Scott said.

He also called on people in hurricane-hit communities to stay in their homes to give emergency crews room to carry out their work.

After daylight Thursday, residents of the Florida Panhandle would begin to take stock of the disaster.

More at source: VOA News

Find A Cleaning & Flood Damage Restoration Service Here

Flu shot: After 80,000 deaths last year, doctors urge people to vaccinated

IJCSA - — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 13:10:25 GMT

Flu shots might sting. They might leave you achy. They might not be fail safe. But, experts say, get one anyway.

New Jersey health care providers are touting flu shots as the best way to prevent the outbreak of an illness that last year resulted in a record 900,000 hospitalizations and 80,000 deaths nationwide.

"We’re still trying to wrap our head around that number," Dr. Roger Thompson, a physician with Integrated Medical Alliance in Middletown, said. "Just think of that number."

It comes on the heels of a devastating year in which New Jersey alone reported nearly 26,000 cases of the flu, including the deaths of five children.

Len Iamundo, 62, of Middletown, is taking no chances. He didn't used to get the flu shot. But since he had open heart surgery eight years ago, he and his wife, Denise, heed their doctors' advice.

More at source: App.com

Don`t wait folks! Get your flu shot, cleaners are even more at risk of catching the flu than any other profession.

Janitor files lawsuit alleging discrimination based on faith

IJCSA - — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:23:37 GMT

BOSTON — A janitor says in a lawsuit against his former employer that he was discriminated against and mocked because of his devout Roman Catholic faith.

The suit filed Tuesday by Arcadio Cruz says supervisors and co-workers for C&W Facilities Services, which provides janitorial service to Boston's Logan International Airport, taunted him for being open about the importance of religion in his life, visiting the airport chapel on lunch breaks, and carrying a Bible and rosary beads.

The Lynn man says one supervisor told him to "call your God to clean the urinal."

He says the company fired him after he complained about bullying and unfair treatment.

More at source: Boston Herald

Students raise money for janitor's first vacation in years

IJCSA - — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:12:45 GMT

Custodian Herman Gordon has been spreading kindness at Bristol University for more than 11 years. This summer, students of the UK university decided it was time to return the favor. Students launched a crowdfunding campaign to send Gordon, originally from Jamaica, on a weeklong trip to Kingston to see his family for the first time in nearly a decade. "I started it because

I know everybody loves Herman for his happy energy," said medical student Hadi Al-Zubaidi, who had the idea for the fundraiser. "I thought sending him to his home country of Jamaica would be a beautiful way of giving back for all that he does."

More at source: CNN

Fayetteville residents still recovering, cleaning up from Florence

IJCSA - — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:05:53 GMT

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) - Fayetteville residents are still recovering from the impacts left by Florence.

In the Cedar Falls neighborhood near Cedar Creek Road, piles of debris could be found along Bombay Drive on Sunday.

Some have returned to their homes, while others said they're looking for a new place to live.

Army Sgt. Roderick Haynes is staying with a friend in Virginia after coming to find his Fayetteville home was damaged during the storm.

"It was hurting," Haynes said. "I was in awe. I didn't know what to think. It was my first time going through the experience, and it was something new to me. I didn't know what to do."

Haynes had little time to prepare for the storm after returning from a deployment in Africa.

"Not having the knowledge and understanding, and someone informing me, or having the insurance to cover half the damages, or all of the damages in that home, makes it more devastating as well, too," he said.

More at source: CBS

Find A Certified Flood Damage & Restoration Service Here

Household cleaning products may be making children fat, study suggests

IJCSA - — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:55:45 GMT

The study found that those who lived in households where disinfectants were used weekly had a higher risk of being overweight by age 3 than those who lived in houses where eco-friendly substances were used. (iStock)

Everyday household cleaning products may be producing unintended consequences for children. According to a study, disinfectants have the ability to change gut bacteria, potentially leading to higher body mass index (BMI).

The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that those who lived in households where disinfectants were used weekly had a higher risk of being overweight by age 3 than those who lived in houses where eco-friendly substances were used.

More at source: Fox News

Find A Healthy Green Cleaning Service Here

Janitors march in support of improved sexual harassment and violence prevention training

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:47:43 GMT

Janitors who have survived rape and sexual harassment in the workplace on Monday launched a 100-mile walk from San Francisco to Sacramento to urge Gov. Jerry Brown to support legislation to boost sexual harassment and violent training and prevention measures.

Assembly Bill 2079, introduced by Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, includes provisions for peer training and counseling, which supporters say is essential for helping immigrant women and women in hidden professions like janitorial work learn their rights from someone they trust.

The walk, which began at the Golden Gate Bridge this morning and paused for a noon rally at San Francisco’s City Hall, began the same day as a billboard campaign in the Bay Area urging Brown to sign the legislation.

More at source: SF Examiner

3 reasons you should always wear gloves while cleaning

IJCSA - — Thu, 06 Sep 2018 12:45:29 GMT

3. They can keep you from getting sick

If nothing else, you should be wearing gloves to protect yourself against bacteria while cleaning.

Think about the places you clean regularly -- the bathroom sink, the toilet, the kitchen sink. All three are places that are just teeming with bacteria. Oh and that sponge you use to clean the dishes? It's one of the most germ ridden thing in your home.

Clean those places with bare hands and you run the risk of directly infecting yourself with nasty pathogens.

More at source: CNET

Discuss This Article

The Stupid-Easy Way To Clean Your Washing Machine

IJCSA - — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 11:42:10 GMT

More at source:House Beautiful

Learn about green cleaning or find a service at www.ijcsa.org

IJCSA - — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 13:49:18 GMT

Learn About Green Cleaning Here

PSAC condemns move to eliminate unionized cleaning positions at Greenwood base

IJCSA - — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:03:26 GMT

GREENWOOD, N.S. - The union representing Canada’s federal public sector employees is worried that a plan to privatize cleaning services at two air force bases signals a concerning trend.

Colleen Coffey, Atlantic Canada executive vice-president with PSAC, says seven term-contract, unionized cleaners at 14 Wing Greenwood were recently notified that as of Sept. 30 their jobs would be terminated before their term positions could have rolled into full-time jobs.

Instead, the government plans to contract out their jobs to a private company. The remaining 25 full-time cleaners will not be laid off but will have their positions replaced by contractors when they retire or leave the base. At Ontario’s CFB Kingston, there will be no immediate layoffs but the 186 unionized cleaners there will also eventually be replaced by contractors.

More at source: Kingston County News Canada

Bee-Clean employee dies at WCB building in Edmonton

IJCSA - — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 11:52:59 GMT

The man worked for Bee-Clean Building Maintenance, which provides janitorial service across the country.

“We are deeply saddened by what happened and our thoughts, prayers and support, are with the deceased worker’s family at this difficult time. We are working closely with the regulatory authorities to determine the cause of what appears at this time, to be a tragic accident,” Rob Scott, executive vice president of Bee-Clean Building Maintenance, said in a statement.

“We are also supporting all our team members within our Bee-Clean family, and we have provided grief counselling to all our team, as well as engaged in open dialogue to help us all come to terms with this loss.”

It’s not known how the man died. OHS said it is continuing to investigate, so no further details were provided.

More at source: CISN

Baton Rouge cleaning companies sue Aramark, say company used them to keep school contract

IJCSA - — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 13:50:04 GMT

Five Baton Rouge-based cleaning companies are suing Philadelphia-based Aramark, claiming the corporate giant used them last year to help retain a lucrative contract with the East Baton Rouge Parish school system, only to later renege on the deal.

The five companies, who’ve banded together as the Business Partners Alliance, want the court to block Aramark and another company, the Atlanta-based Carter Brothers, from terminating their old operating contract and seeking proposals from competitors. They filed the litigation Friday.

More at source: Advocate

How environmentally friendly are 'eco' bath and cleaning products?

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 18:03:55 GMT

When you lather up your locks in the shower, or blast the mucky kitchen bench with antibacterial spray, the chemicals in those common household products eventually make their way down the drain and into the environment.

Pretty much everything washed down household drains in Australia goes to a wastewater treatment plant where most particles and chemicals are removed or diluted, and then the water is discharged into our waterways.

However, these days the treatment processes are insufficient to deal with the influx of chemical cocktails, especially the chemicals that last for a very long time, according to chemical engineer Peter Scales from the University of Melbourne.

Some of the chemicals in everyday products that can hurt the environment include plasticisers, surfactants, antibacterial agents, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, phosphates and fragrances.

More at source: ABC

California Companies Can Be Fined for Hiring the Wrong Janitorial Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 13:44:11 GMT

Beyond price and service, should companies care about the janitorial service they hire? With provisions of the California Property Service Workers Protection Act taking effect on July 1, 2018, and the Labor Commissioner recently fining Cheesecake Factory and its janitorial service $4.5 million for wage theft, it’s time to revisit how janitorial services are hired.

A provision of the Property Service Workers Protection Act that took effect on July 1, 2018, requires companies providing janitorial services to annually register with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Registration requires that the janitorial service meet certain conditions. Janitorial services that fail to register are subject to stiff civil fines. But it gets worse.

Under California Labor Code section 1432(b), any person or entity that contracts with a janitorial employer lacking a current and valid registration can be fined between $2,000 and $10,000 for the first violation, and between $10,000 and $25,000 for a subsequent violation.

More at source: JDSUPRA

Find Your New Local Janitorial Service Here

IJCSA - — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 13:16:51 GMT

Find A Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:29:38 GMT

Find Your IJCSA Certified Green Cleaning Service Here

Cleaning Up Contamination: What Happens To Meth Houses

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 12:13:06 GMT

A hazmat suit and respirator is what Jared Herbert typically wears to work. If passersby ask what he is working on, he tells them he’s just cleaning a house. Or taking care of a residential chemical contamination.

He never gives the real reason why his cleaning crew travels in unmarked vans to rip out carpet, scrub air ducts or load furniture into a dumpster.

“We keep it as discreet as we can,” he explained. “You want to know that someone has meth in your neighborhood, but you also don’t want to know, you know?”

Herbert works as a foreman for Meth Mob, a local Provo decontamination company focused on cleaning “meth houses.” He travels across the state to clean all kinds of houses who report having high measures of meth contamination. His crew and asbestos-cleaning crews wear the same garb.

More at source: Herald Extra

Find A Biohazard Cleaning Company Here

California Launches Statewide Janitorial Registry

IJCSA - — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 12:29:37 GMT

Beginning July 1, all janitorial service providers and contractors are required to register with the state of California on an annual basis. Failure to do so will result in fines, the state’s labor commissioner’s office said.

The Property Service Workers Protection Act stipulates that every provider of janitorial services with at least one employee and one janitor must register. The law was signed by Gov. Brown in 2016 and went into effect yesterday.

The development stems from an investigation of alleged wage theft at several Cheesecake Factory locations in Southern California by the labor commissioner’s office. Last month, the state found the company liable for $4.57 million in wage theft.

According to the new law, all janitorial providers must keep detailed records for three years that include the names and addresses of all employees, the hours worked daily by each employee and wage and hourly rate.

Businesses can register online or via mail, there is a $500 nonrefundable fee. Registration will be valid for a year after which companies are required to renew for a fee of $500, according to the Labor Commission website.

Failure to register will result in $100 fine a day, up to $10,000. Companies that hire unregistered janitorial contractors will be cited fines of $2,000 to $10,000.

More at source: LA Business Journal

Imperial Dade Announces the Acquisition of American Osment

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:08:00 GMT

Steven Mote Jr., President of American Osment, said, “Over the past 46 years, we have aimed to exceed our customers’ expectations. Our ability to do so will improve going forward under this new partnership. On behalf of the American Osment team, I look forward to growing our customer relationships under the leadership of Bob, Jason, and the Imperial Dade organization.”

“This acquisition further strengthens Imperial Dade’s position as a leading provider of foodservice disposables and janitorial supplies throughout the Southeast. We will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions and growth opportunities as we strive to become the preeminent national distribution company for foodservice packaging and janitorial supplies,” said Jason Tillis.

More at source: Daily Times

Find Your Local Window Washing Service Here >>

Discuss This Article

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Find Your Local Window Washing Service

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:10:08 GMT

Send In Your Bathroom Graffiti

IJCSA - — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 13:53:17 GMT

If you come across some funny or interesting bathroom graffiti and would like to be featured on the IJCSA Facebook - send to matthew(at)ijcsa.org

Inside Your Health: Hospital Cleaning Procedures Could Lead to Infections

IJCSA - — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 11:58:06 GMT

Hospitals could unknowingly be putting patients at risk for infection, and the cause might be right under your feet.

A new study found that the way hospitals clean their floors might actually be spreading bacteria and causing infections.

More at source: ABC

Find Certified Cleaning Firms Here

Discuss Here

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants found liable in $4.57m janitorial wage theft case

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 12:11:33 GMT

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants found liable in $4.57m janitorial wage theft case - US-based full-service chain Cheesecake Factory Restaurants has been found liable in a $4.57m wage theft violations case involving 559 janitorial workers. California Labour Commissioner’s Office said the janitors worked at the restaurant chain’s eight locations in Orange and San Diego counties.

The workers were managed by Magic Touch Commercial Cleaning, which was subcontracted by the Cheesecake Factory’s janitorial contractor Americlean Janitorial Services Corp. As per the citations, Magic Touch owner Zulma Villegas must pay $3.936m to the workers for unpaid minimum wages and overtime, liquidated damages, waiting time penalties and meal and rest period violations. It also includes a fine of $632,750 to be paid for properly itemised pay stubs and other civil penalties. Americlean Janitorial Services is also liable in the case.

More at source: Verdict Food Service

Delaware cleaning service fined $1.2M for withholding tax contributions

IJCSA - — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:16:05 GMT

Delaware cleaning service fined $1.2M for withholding tax contributions - News outlets cite a Monday announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that says 55-year-old Jeffrey Minner also was ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution. The Justice Department said Minner withheld taxes from employees from 2011 through 2016, but failed to pay that money to the Internal Revenue Service.

Minner operated several janitorial service companies including J.E.M. Enterprises, Inc., Service Master and Advanced Enterprises, Inc

More at source: Philly.com

Find Your Green Cleaning Service Here

Cleaning Service Owner Gets 1 Year In Jail And Must Pay $460K in Restitution

IJCSA - — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 12:17:41 GMT

IJCSA - — Mon, 21 May 2018 19:04:43 GMT

Cleaning chemical sickens 2, causes HAZMAT scare in Emmett

IJCSA - — Fri, 18 May 2018 14:51:19 GMT

Cleaning chemical sickens 2, causes HAZMAT scare in Emmett

EMMETT -- Two Emmett residents have been released from the hospital after exposure to a then-unknown substance made them sick Thursday night.

Authorities say the incident started at about 5:30 p.m. at ahome in the 800 block of South Boise Avenue in Emmett.

Billie Hough, who lives in the house, said she found a plastic bag containing an substance under her bathroom sink.

More at source: KTVB

Find Your Green Cleaning Service Here

Building Service Manager Charged $7,000+ For Toilet Paper On Amazon

IJCSA - — Mon, 14 May 2018 13:17:44 GMT

Building Service Manager Charged $7,000+ For Toilet Paper On Amazon - A woman who ordered three cases of toilet paper from Amazon is dealing with a financial nightmare after she was charged thousands of dollars for it -- and Amazon hasn't been able to refund her money. Now, she’s sharing a warning.

IJCSA - — Mon, 07 May 2018 14:25:39 GMT

Find Your Certified Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 04 May 2018 14:56:17 GMT

Find your new Certified Green Cleaning Service Here

Female night custodians demand safer work conditions, greater University accountability

IJCSA - — Fri, 04 May 2018 12:33:24 GMT

Over 75 students attended Wednesday night’s “When The Campus is Asleep: Voices of Female Custodians Who Work the Night Shift at Stanford” event, which featured a conversation with four female custodians from United Service Workers West, a subdivision of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU-USWW).

The custodians gave up their only break during their eight hour-long night shift, which starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 2:30 a.m. each night, to voice their demands for better work conditions at the event.

The meeting, co-hosted by the Stanford Solidarity Network (SSN), took place in the Women’s Community Center. Rebecca Armendariz, political representative for SEIU-SSW, served as translator between the Spanish-speaking custodians and the audience.

More at source: Stanford Daily

Harsh flu season winding down, but it left its mark: Highest child death count in at least 5 years

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 May 2018 11:39:45 GMT

Harsh flu season winding down, but it left its mark: Highest child death count in at least 5 years

A brutal flu season is finally on its last legs, but it has taken a heavy toll, including the highest death count among children in at least five years, health officials say.

Low levels of “flu-like illness” are still popping up in a few spots, according to the latest report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the coast-to-coast epidemic of midwinter is history.

“We never officially declare flu season over … there’s always flu circulating, even in the summer,” said Lynnette Brammer, head of domestic influenza surveillance at CDC. But, she said, the flu has done most of its nasty work — for now.

More at source CDC

Discuss this article here.

Spring cleaning: 10 tricks for saving money all year

IJCSA - — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 11:00:31 GMT

Spring cleaning: 10 tricks for saving money all year

1. Drain the hot water heater

“Sediment builds up over time at the bottom of the tank, causing corrosion,” says John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada. “Partially draining it removes the sediment and keeps the heater running more efficiently—and keeps it running longer.”

2. Check ductwork connections

Ducts in either the attic or crawl space can sag over time, and then the connections become loose. “If this happens, you end up spending more on utility costs because the air you’re paying to heat or cool is escaping from the loose ductwork into the attic or crawl space, not into your living space,” Bodrozic says.

More At Source: Fox News

It’s spring cleaning time for your appliances, too

IJCSA - — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:22:21 GMT

It’s spring cleaning time for your appliances, too

Your fridge – Move your refrigerator out from the wall and clean the back side of the refrigerator and the flooring under the refrigerator. Find the location of the refrigerator’s coils by checking the owner’s manual. Sometimes they’re on the back of the appliance; sometimes they’re under a toe grill at the front of the fridge. You may have to remove a panel or grill.

Then pull the plug on the electricity, gently dust the coils with a rag or brush and vacuum the coils. When dirt and dust builds up on coils, it takes more electricity to keep food cold. You’ll also want to replace the filter on your refrigerator water dispenser every six months.

You might also take all the food out of your refrigerator and wipe the surfaces of the interior with a water solution that includes baking soda or vinegar. Throw away food that’s been around too long.

Your oven — There are several possibilities

More at source: KTAR

Why the kids at Sands Montessori think 'Mr. Bob' should be Janitor of the Year

IJCSA - — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:20:22 GMT

Why the kids at Sands Montessori think 'Mr. Bob' should be Janitor of the Year

CINCINNATI -- Every weekday morning for the last eight years, Bob Cook has unlocked the doors of Sands Montessori School at 5:30 and polished the floors until they shine "like glass."

"I come in and do my job so that kids come to a clean school," the longtime custodian affectionately known as "Mr. Bob" said. "I just want to be a role model and hope they come back in 10 years, shake my hand when they go to college, you know?"

More at source: WCPO

Spring Cleaning? Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service Here

Spring Cleaning? Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service!

IJCSA - — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:14:09 GMT

New IJCSA Sponsor Clearent!!

IJCSA - — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 18:37:42 GMT

GET THE BEST

PAYMENT SOLUTION

FOR YOUR BUSINESS

With Clearent Credit and Debit Card Processing

LEARN MORE

Submit a statement by May 31st and be entered to win a $300 Amazon gift card!

At Clearent, we want to help save you money on your merchant account. Clearent is a one-stop shop for all your payment processing requirements, including:

Save money - rates starting at less than 0.75%
Next Day Funding with an 11:00 PM Eastern cut-off time
Cash advances for fast access to working capital
e-Commerce payment solutions and shopping cart integration
Take payments anywhere - Mobile and wireless EMV payment solutions
FREE EMV credit card terminal for those who qualify
24/7 terminal support (US)

Submit a statement by May 31, 2018, and you'll be entered to win a $300 Amazon gift card! For more information, visit go2.clearent.com/IJCSA.

Questions? Call 1-866-371-2273

unsubscribe.

CUSTODIAN UNION RALLY GOES UNNOTICED BY CAMPUS

IJCSA - — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:08:06 GMT

CUSTODIAN UNION RALLY GOES UNNOTICED BY CAMPUS

While Seattle University students were hard at work during last quarter’s dead week, studying for finals and gearing up for the spring break to come, a demonstration went unseen and untalked about for over a month, despite taking place directly on campus.

One month ago, WFF custodians at Seattle U took part in a union rally attempting to call attention to the issues they face and to bring into the public eye their ongoing negotiations with WFF Facility Services. The demonstration was organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 6.

More at source: Seattle Spectator

Find Professional Certified Carpet Cleaning Firms Here

Find Professional Certified Carpet Cleaning Services

IJCSA - — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:04:54 GMT

JANITORIAL WORKERS PROTEST OUTSIDE TATE MODERN

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 11:37:13 GMT

JANITORIAL WORKERS PROTEST OUTSIDE TATE MODERN

Tate Modern’s current exhibition, “Picasso—Love, Fame, Tragedy,” which received major funding from the London-based investment firm of Ernst & Young (EY), is being protested by janitorial workers, writes Alec Evans of the Art Newspaper. Members of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) held up signs and distributed fliers outside the museum on April 14 to “make people aware of how these low paid migrant workers are being treated,” said a representative from the IWGB.

More at source: ArtForum.com

Find Your Local Certified Green Cleaning Service Here

Find Your Local Certified Green Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:38:20 GMT

Clean Homes. Clean Earth. Green cleaning, or cleaning with products made from environmentally friendly ingredients designed to preserve health and environmental quality, is becoming increasingly important to homeowners across North America and Canada

Keeping pets safe during spring cleaning season

IJCSA - — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:09:09 GMT

Keeping pets safe during spring cleaning season

Many homeowners are getting started with their spring cleaning and home improvement projects, and it's important during this time of year for pet parents to keep some safety tips in mind for the furry friends!

Megan Yaffe, Community Programs Manager for the Providence Animal Rescue League, stopped by "The Rhode Show" on Monday morning to share the following tips and reminders:

1. Household Cleaning Products

Most people automatically associate spring cleaning with the use of household cleaning products. But before you take out that shining floor cleaner, be sure to read the label very carefully as you do not want to hurt your pet. Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets....

More at source: WPRI

Find A Green Cleaning Service That Uses Pet Friendly Cleaning Solutions Here

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | Find your new green cleaning service

IJCSA - — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:30:43 GMT

Find Your Local Green Cleaning Service Here

Airport 13.5 Million Dollar Contract Under Janitorial Contract Set to Go to Firm With Recent Complaints Union Warns

IJCSA - — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:51:01 GMT

Airport 13.5 Million Dollar Contract Under Janitorial Contract Set to Go to Firm With Recent Complaints Union Warns - Airport - St. Louis is poised to award a janitorial services contract for St. Louis Lambert International Airport to a firm that in recent years has drawn attention from both the EEOC and the National Labor Relations Board, records show. Centaur Building Services, a St. Louis company recently acquired by Paris-based Atalian, submitted the lowest bid to the airport's request in January 2018. At $13.5 million,

its bid was about $500,000 lower than its closest competitor. The city's Airport Commission is likely to approve the contract at its meeting May 2.

More at source: Riverfront Times

Chicago Public School principals say schools remain ‘filthy’ under $340 million dollar janitorial contracts

IJCSA - — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:38:38 GMT

Chicago Public School principals say schools remain ‘filthy’ under $340 million dollar janitorial contracts.

A year after Chicago Public School hired private companies to clean schools, many principals remain completely unsatisfied with the work, saying the benefits of the $340 million contracts have yet to materialize.

At least 260 of 522 principals of district-run schools answered surveys by the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, and 200 of them said that their schools were not cleaner than before Aramark and SodexoMagic took over janitorial services. More than 200 also said the contracted services did not free them up to spend more time on instructional issues as promised, according to the survey.

More at source: Chicago Sun Times

Find A Janitorial Service Here

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | Find your new green cleaning service

IJCSA - — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:28:04 GMT

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association | Find your new green cleaning service here.

Why would you ever use dangerous cleaning chemicals?

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 13:16:05 GMT

Why would you ever use dangerous cleaning chemicals?

Find Green Cleaning Service Here

Oxnard cleaning service owner pleads guilty to workers' compensation fraud

IJCSA - — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 16:08:08 GMT

Oxnard cleaning service owner pleads guilty to workers' compensation fraud -

An Oxnard business owner pleaded guilty Friday to four felony insurance code violations related to workers’ compensation payments, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors said Victor Vega, 52, made fraudulent statements to reduce the cost of workers’ compensation insurance for his company Vega’s Cleaning Service. He also admitted special allegations that the crimes involved the taking of more than $200,000.

Vega will be sentenced at 9 a.m. June 5 in Ventura Superior Court. He faces a maximum of 10 years in state prison and could be ordered to pay up to $428,867 in restitution.

More at source: VCStar

Discuss This Article

Find Local Green Cleaning Services Here >>

Find Local Green Cleaning Services

IJCSA - — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:05:26 GMT

Janitors at Chicago schools strike back

IJCSA - — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 16:01:11 GMT

Schools janitors strike back

SEIU janitorial worker Maxine Gladney spoke about her job cleaning schools for CPS. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

Janitors who clean Chicago Public Schools buildings said Thursday that schools are dirty because the private mega-company managing them has cut too much staff.

And if Aramark doesn’t agree to add 500 more custodians during contract negotiations, members of SEIU Local 1 will strike, union president Tom Balanoff told the Chicago Sun-Times in the wake of reporting that showed some 90 schools failing district-led “blitz” cleaning inspections.

More at source: Chicago Sun Times

Find Your Local Carpet Cleaning Service Here

Find Your Local Carpet Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 15:42:01 GMT

How the 'Cleaning Product Right to Know Act' affects your business

IJCSA - — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 13:14:42 GMT

What does California’s Cleaning Product Right to Know Act require?

The Act applies to certain finished cleaning products, including air care products, automotive products, general cleaning products, and polishes or floor maintenance products used primarily for janitorial, domestic or institutional cleaning purposes.

The following information must be disclosed on cleaning product websites by Jan. 1, 2020:

Intentionally added ingredients, listed in descending order of predominance by weight.

Nonfunctional constituents present in the product at a concentration of 0.01% or greater.

The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number for any intentionally added ingredient or nonfunctional constituent listed shall be listed with each; if the CAS number is not available or an ingredient is confidential business information, the CAS number must be cited as “not available” or “withheld,” respectively.

The functional purpose served by each intentionally added ingredient.

More at source: State Of California

Happy Easter From IJCSA!

IJCSA - — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 15:24:15 GMT

ABM Selected as Preferred Partner and Awarded 50+ Million Dollar Janitorial Services Contract

IJCSA - — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:32:55 GMT

NEW YORK, March 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -ABM, a leading provider of facility solutions, has been named a preferred partner and awarded a five-year janitorial services contract at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B by LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the private operator and developer of Terminal B. This includes servicing the existing Terminal B, as well as the new state-of-the-art terminal that will open in phases through 2022.

The redevelopment of Terminal B is one of the most complex airport construction projects in the world and when complete, the new Terminal B will be a 1.3 million square foot facility with 35 gates and dual pedestrian bridges that span active aircraft taxi lanes.

“We are excited to partner with LaGuardia Gateway Partners on this amazing project,” says Don Stephens, President of Aviation, ABM. “As an industry leader in facility services and solutions with one of the industry’s largest aviation service portfolios, we are uniquely positioned to provide best-in-class cleaning for the flying public with our outstanding people, innovative standards and materials, and an environmental focus.”

More at source: Global News Wire

Group of Black janitors in Halifax fired after revealing human-rights complaint, union says

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:07:07 GMT

HALIFAX—Dozens of people rallied outside a downtown Halifax office building Monday in support of a group of Black janitors who were fired from their jobs after they revealed plans to file a human rights complaint based on allegations of racial discrimination.

About 70 people gathered outside Founders Square to support janitorial workers, who were told they would be laid off at the end of this week, but were terminated last Friday after the allegations were made public.

Darius Mirshahi, an organizer with the Service Employees International Union Local 2, said the group will file another complaint alleging that the workers were fired abruptly for complaining about alleged racism.

More at source: The Star

How to know if your ‘natural’ cleaning products are the real deal

IJCSA - — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:53:24 GMT

Traditionally the cleaning sector has been heavy on harsh chemicals, but that is changing as consumers become more environmentally aware. However, not all companies have joined the party, with many choosing to alter their marketing instead of their products.

Below you’ll find some of the most common marketing tricks used to sell cleaning products to the eco-conscious consumer.

“All natural” doesn’t always mean safe

The term “all natural” has become such a marketing buzzword that it now means almost nothing. One thing it doesn’t necessarily mean is “safe”.

Take ammonia, for example, which is a naturally occurring substance. It’s a compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen (which I’m sure you’ll remember from the periodic table). Ammonia, while considered harmless in small amounts, can wreak havoc in concentrated quantities.

More at source: Domain

Find A Professional Carpet Cleaning Service Here

The Hoover SmartWash hopes to make carpet cleaning as easy as vacuuming

IJCSA - — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:16:32 GMT

Cleaning your carpet no longer has to be a job reserved for the pros. Not if you have the professional help of the new Hoover SmartWash. Promising to take all the confusion and guesswork out of carpet cleaning, this new machine claims to be the “most intuitive, best cleaning, full-sized carpet cleaner” on the market. And really, who couldn’t use a cleaner floor?

Going far beyond what your vacuum or a spray bottle and rag can do as far as beautifying and purifying your carpet, the Hoover SmartWash makes it nearly impossible to mess up your cleaning process. The machine auto-mixes and dispenses the cleaning solution, then automatically cleans by sensing how much detergent is needed, and finally automatically dries ...

More at source: Digital Trends

How to Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products for Pets

IJCSA - — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 17:11:22 GMT

Dear Davi,

Daily life with dogs and cats can make staying tidy difficult. The struggle for cleanliness in a cloud of dust and fur is real. How can I keep my home feeling fresh while protecting my pets from harmful cleaners?

Minnie

Minnie,

Muddy paw prints tracked across the floor and nose art on the window help make a house a home, but they also make a home dirtier, so dusting, mopping and scrubbing are a must. Still, your household chores don't necessarily need to be a pain when you have the right supplies. The stressful part is trying to choose products that are harmless to pets.

Some of the products that clean and disinfect homes pose a danger to dogs and cats. Topping the list of hazardous cleaning products are bleach, laundry detergent pods and phenol-based disinfectants, such as Lysol and Pine-Sol.

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant, but it's also a strong alkali-the opposite of an acid, ...

More at source: FolioWeekly

People Who Enjoy Cleaning The House Are Happier, More Relaxed, Survey Finds

IJCSA - — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:35:31 GMT

OAKLAND, Calif. — Need to inject some positivity into your home? A little spring cleaning might just do the trick, a new study finds.

Clorox, the household name in the cleaning industry, recently released findings from a multifaceted study it conducted in which the findings suggest that keeping a neat living space promotes empathy.

The study’s first component consisted of an online survey of 2,000 American adults which found that those who enjoyed the act of cleaning were 25% happier that those who did not.

More at source: StudyFinds.org

Family Finds 8 Baseball Cards Worth Millions While Cleaning

IJCSA - — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:48:48 GMT

The family that two years ago made one of the greatest finds in sports collectibles history when they found seven Ty Cobb baseball cards printed between 1909 and 1911 have now found one more in the matching set.

"It falls under the category of 'you can't make this stuff up,'" said Joe Orlando, president of Professional Sports Authenticator of Newport Beach, California. The company verified the new card and valued it at $250,000

"The initial discovery, it was a real shock to them," Orlando said. "They put the cleaning on hold for a while ... later they knew what they were looking for, and in a dusty box between two books, there was another one."

More at source: Chicago Tribune

Find A Carpet Cleaning Service Here

Carpet Cleaning Machines Tested

IJCSA - — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 19:36:25 GMT

SAN ANTONIO - Just in time for spring cleaning, Consumer Reports tested popular carpet cleaning machines.

We use a Georgia red clay so that we can see how well these machines are removing embedded dirt from the carpet itself,” said Haniya Rae, Consumer Reports' home editor.

Testers prepped the samples with a measured amount of the red clay soil and wet it with water. The samples were left to dry overnight.

Then the machines were put to work, and testers found some big differences. Testers also factored in how well each machine dried the carpet samples, because a wet carpet can lead to mildew or mold growth.

More at source: KSAT

School will stop outsourcing its custodial work, and bring janitorial staff in-house.

IJCSA - — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 10:44:19 GMT

The Durham Board of Education has voted to make custodians Durham Public Schools employees once again. This means ending its contract with an outsource management company, acquiring cleaning equipment, and giving custodial staff higher pay and benefits. The change will cost DPS about $1.1 million.

Arasi Adkins, the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources, cautioned that the custodians would join other so-called "classified" employees -- like bus drivers -- whose salaries have been in flux for years.

“There are probably over 1,000 people, other classified staff members, that we really need to think about,” Adkins said. “If we do move to an in-house model we'll have another large group of people coming to the board asking for raises as well. I believe it's over a million dollars if we were to fully fund that, too.”

More at source: WUNC

Billionaire Imogene Powers Johnson, Heir To Cleaning Products Empire, Dies At 87

IJCSA - — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 11:00:50 GMT

Imogene Powers Johnson, the billionaire widow of SC Johnson CEO Samuel C. Johnson and a longtime philanthropist, died over the weekend. She was 87.

Johnson, whose husband ran the family's cleaning products business for more than three decades, had encountered several health issues in recent months, according to a statement from her son Herbert Fisk Johnson.

Johnson, who was known as Gene by friends and family, was worth an estimated $3.7 billion at the time of her death. She met her husband Samuel at Cornell University in 1948 where she was a mathematics major. After graduation, she went on to work as an engineering mathematician at Ryan Aeronautical in San Diego. She learned computer programming and worked on the first aircraft that was capable of a vertical take-off, according to her son.

More At Source: Forbes

School Janitor Charged With Having Gun On Grounds

IJCSA - — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 14:08:55 GMT

WESTFORD, Mass. – A janitor at a Massachusetts elementary school has been charged with having a loaded gun in his car on school grounds.

Police say a handgun with a high-capacity magazine was found in the trunk of 21-year-old James Healy's car at the John A. Crisafulli Elementary School in Westford. He has since been fired from the school.

The investigation was prompted by pictures submitted anonymously to the school's resource officer. They appeared to show Healy holding firearms. Police say Healy told them the guns in the pictures were pellet guns.

At Healy's arraignment on Wednesday, his attorney said he has no criminal record. The lawyer says Healy suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and has struggled since his father's death.

Bail was set at $2,000. Healy faces several firearms charges.

Source: Fox News

Cleaning products tied to accelerated lung function decline in women

IJCSA - — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:11:17 GMT

Women with regular exposure to cleaning products may face a steeper decline in lung function over time, according to an international study.

Women who used sprays or other cleaning products at least once per week had a more accelerated decline than women who did not, the study authors wrote.

“We’re cleaning in our houses every day and every week. It’s important to have this discussion about cleaning and what we do in our homes,” said lead study author Dr Oistein Svanes of the University of Bergen, Norway.

More At Source: Jordan Times

Dyson’s Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum spells the end for corded cleaning

IJCSA - — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 15:47:23 GMT

The Dyson Cyclone V10 cord-free vacuum that Dyson unveiled today at an event in New York is a new milestone for the company’s strong line of battery-powered vacuums. In fact, it spells the end for plug-in models, even for holdouts who’ve been reluctant to ditch their big bulky continuous power versions.

Dyson’s Cyclone V10 has Dyson’s most advanced digital motor yet. In a briefing, Dyson showed me the motor and how it compares to its previous generation version. I’m no electric motor engineer, but I can say that it’s significantly smaller and lighter (made possible using some ceramic in place of metal in its construction) and it’s a something that will blow away the existing models in terms of performance.

More At Source: Tech Crunch

City Of Chicago Awards Minority Janitorial Contracts - $106.3 Million

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 16:26:28 GMT

Diverse Facility Solutions, a firm owned by Mark Wright, was awarded a $12.9 million contract to clean the David R. Lee Animal Care Center, the 911 and 311 non-emergency centers, the Goldblatt’s building, West Town library, and the Chicago Fire Academy. The company made $35 million in 2017, has 900 employees and was ranked 82nd on the BE 100s, a listing of the nation’s largest black businesses.

Jimmie Daniel’s Total Facility Maintenance received a $9.9 million contract to clean a group of buildings that includes the public safety headquarters.

While nonblack-owned ABM Janitorial gets $68.3 million, the company will be giving 35% of its work to Diverse Facility Solutions and 10% to We’re Cleaning Inc., a company owned by Yvonne McGinnis, in order to fulfill its minority “set-aside” rule.

More at source: Black Enterprise

Weird Cleaning News - Cleaning crew finds head in bag

IJCSA - — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 12:42:18 GMT

A Cameron Parish cleaning crew made an unpleasant discovery today.

Sheriff Ron Johnson said one of his crews found a head in a plastic bag on the side of La. 27 in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

The head was decomposed, and identification of the victim has been turned over to the coroner, he said. Investigators believe it has been out there months, not years, but a final determination will be made by the coroner, he said.

Deputies searched the area, as well as the surrounding marsh, but no other body parts were found, he said.

We're following this story and will post additional details as they become available.

More At Source: KATC

Hero janitor diverted students away from Florida massacre

IJCSA - — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 12:33:50 GMT

A janitor is being hailed as a hero for diverting terrified students away from the teen who carried out one of the deadliest school shootings in US history.

As a fire alarm sounded and bullets began to ring out at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Wednesday afternoon, some students fled from their classrooms into the hallway – unknowingly into the path of AR-15-wielding, 19-year-old madman Nikolas Cruz.

“After I started running with the people, I realized that wasn’t the best choice because there was a janitor that thank God stopped me and all of my fellow students from going in that direction, towards the shooter,” school senior David Hogg told ABC 13.

More at source: NY Post

Los Angeles Unified School District Workers to hold strike authorization vote.

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 12:28:22 GMT

LOS ANGELES >> Thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District workers represented by the Service Employees International Union will decide next month whether to authorize the union to call a strike in the midst of contract talks.

Taking part in the strike authorization vote will be district cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, special education assistants and other workers represented by SEIU Local 99, which has accused the district of unfair labor practices “and bad faith bargaining.”

The vote is scheduled to take place March 12-24. Union officials said if the workers authorize a strike, a walkout could potentially occur during the current school year.

More at source: Daily News

Central Oregon janitorial contractors scramble to comply with new state law

IJCSA - — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 16:32:29 GMT

Oregon was among the first states to pass a law designed to prevent wage theft and sexual harassment in the janitorial industry, but the regulations that took effect this year are getting a second look from lawmakers.

“Our initial concern was we were capturing far too many people under this,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Lake Oswego, co-sponsor of a corrective bill that’s quickly working its way through the Legislature. “They had included individual employees in the licensing requirement. Then, it was capturing housekeepers. A lot of my colleagues across the state were really nervous about that.”

More at source: Bend Bulletin

Denver Cleaning Contract Approved For $115 Million Dollars

IJCSA - — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:23:38 GMT

A DIA official told the council Tuesday that after this and other previous bids have drawn protests, the airport plans to seek an outside review of its bid process and rules with an eye on increasing transparency and efficiency. Some protests have centered on DIA’s lengthy final negotiations with winning bidders, leaving losing companies in the dark for months about the outcome.

“I understand that we don’t win every bid. Nor do we expect to,” said Scott Murray of Triangle Services, which was among the bidders not selected for the janitorial contract, during a public comment session Tuesday. “What we do expect is a transparent process that is fair to all the bidders.”

More at source: Denver Post

Denver Cleaning Contract Approved For $115 Million Dollars

Are Toxic Cleaning Products As Bad As Cigarettes For Your Lungs? Here's What The Science Says

IJCSA - — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:10:00 GMT

Researchers at a university in Norway followed 6.235 people for over 20 years, collecting data on their health and behavior. What they found should make us all think twice about using chemical cleaners. In one example, forced vital capacity (FVC)—a measurement frequently used to assess lung strength and capacity—declined much more quickly for women frequently exposed to cleaners. Specifically, the data showed a 4.3 mL/year faster decline for women who cleaned at home and a 7.1 mL/year faster decline for those who worked as professional cleaners.

What does this mean in real life? This increase in decline was comparable to 10 to 20 pack-years of tobacco smoking. "Pack-years" is a term used by clinicians to measure tobacco smoking and is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked. They also found that asthma was 12 to 13 percent more common in women who frequently used cleaners. "We feared that such chemicals, by steadily causing a little damage to the airways day after day, year after year, might accelerate the rate of lung function decline that occurs with age." Cecile Svanes, M.D., Ph.D., one of the study's authors and a professor at the university, explained to ScienceDaily.

More at source: Science Daily

Using Household Cleaning Products Can Be as Bad as Smoking a Pack a Day

IJCSA - — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:51:25 GMT

The European Community Respiratory Health Survey aimed to find out more about the long-term effects of using cleaning products. The study looked at lung function in 6,230 participants in 22 locations around the world. Participants answered questions about how often they used cleaning products and had their lung function measured.

The study found that women responsible for cleaning at home or professionally suffered a more rapid decline than women who were not responsible for cleaning. The same trend was not observed in men, however. The authors did not offer a reason for this gender difference, though there were fewer men than women in the study and a smaller percentage of those men engaged in “occupational cleaning.”

More at source: Fortune

Longtime DIA janitorial services provider faces questions, delaying a new $115 million contract

IJCSA - — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:24:12 GMT

Questions are emerging about the performance of a city contractor that has provided Denver airport janitorial services for decades, just as it’s set to win a $115 million contract.

City Councilman Kevin Flynn, who received a copy of the protest letter filed by a losing bidder last week, on Monday night triggered a one-week delay in the council’s consideration of the maximum five-year contract with ISS Facility Services. Council rules allow any council member to initiate a one-time delay of a contract, and ISS’s deal will be back at the council for a vote Feb. 20.

More at source: Denver Post

The Flu is Killing Up to 4,000 Americans a Week

IJCSA - — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:22:56 GMT

Deaths from influenza and pneumonia, which are closely tied to each other in the winter months, were responsible for 1 of every 10 deaths last week, and that’s likely to rise, Schuchat said in a conference call Friday.

There were 40,414 deaths in the U.S. during the third week of 2018, the most recent data available, and 4,064 were from pneumonia or influenza, according to the CDC data. The number for that week is expected to rise more reports are sent to the agency.

More at source: Fortune.com

Texas City Janitors Will Keep Their Jobs Despite Outsourcing

IJCSA - — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:47:01 GMT

Janitors working for the city of Waco, Texas will keep their jobs despite the city outsourcing to a private organization.

The City Council approved a compromise plan in a 6-0 vote that will phase out city workers in favor of private contractors, but current city janitors will retain their positions at 16 buildings.

In late February, UBM Enterprise will start providing janitorial services at 14 buildings, covering about 400,000 square feet.

Eventually, the city plans to transition all janitorial services to the private firm. The move will save the city about $420,000 on its yearly $1 million cleaning bill.

Source: Axcess News

Aunt Fannie’s Healthy Housekeeping Products Now Available at Target

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 16:54:11 GMT

Aunt Fannie's helps maintain the healthy microbes destroyed by traditional cleaners needed to keep us healthy. The biodynamic, evolutionarily-adapted cleaning and pest solutions developed from unique, whole, and food-based ingredients, enhance the healthy and natural balance of home and office microbiomes.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Target,” said Mat Franken, CEO of Aunt Fannie’s. “Target has emerged as a true wellness-brand, from its corporate wellness mission to stocking better-for-you options on its store shelves. Partnering with Target allows us to reach new consumers who are just starting their natural journey and to reach those health-conscious consumers who already shop at Target for all of their natural home essentials, family and pest needs.”

More at source: Global News Wire

New colleges adopt green cleaning technology

IJCSA - — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 13:02:57 GMT

Benjamin Franklin and Pauli Murray colleges last semester began using cleaning solutions produced by Orbio Technologies, which manufactures greener alternatives to conventional cleaning products.

Orbio sells machines that use electrolysis to convert water and salt into diluted sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid — which can be used as a general multisurface cleaner and disinfectant, respectively. Murray and Benjamin Franklin are the first residential colleges to buy machines for on-site generation of those cleaning solutions. One Orbio unit, located in the Murray basement, will service both colleges.

More at source: Yale Daily News

Schools in at Least 12 States Close as Flu Epidemic Worsens

IJCSA - — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 17:18:17 GMT

This year’s flu season has been devastating for children across the country. And several schools have closed their doors in efforts to fight the illness.

Schools in at least a dozen states have cancelled classes for days at a time after staff and students became sick, CBS News reports. Officials at Bishop Lynch High School, in Dallas, Texas, shut the school down for days so crews could disinfect the property.

“This year it really is unprecedented,” school nurse Patty Barton told CBS of the illness. “I probably saw about 30 kids here on Monday and sent 10 home.”

More at source: People

Find A Real Carpet Cleaning Service Here

Oprah Winfrey's Secret Talent Is Cleaning Stains Out of Carpets

IJCSA - — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:00:10 GMT

You get a clean carpet! And you get a clean carpet! Twenty-one dogs and countless "accidents" later, that's Oprah Winfrey's longest-lasting rallying call. As she reveals in a new episode of Vanity Fair's "Secret Talent Theatre," over the years, the media mogul has become something of an expert in the art of stain removal. And now, she's sharing her tried and true strategy for lifting red wine, gravy, and, yes, dog poop right out of the carpet with the rest of us mere mortals.

More at source: Bon Appetit

Why The 20/10 Method Can Change The Way You Clean Your House

IJCSA - — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 17:39:23 GMT

THE 20/10 RULE

Start breaking yourself of the marathon habit, Hoffman says, by training yourself to do short bursts of cleaning followed by a break. “Set a timer. When it goes off, you stop and do something else. Sit down with cup of tea or take the dog for a walk or mess around on the internet. If necessary you get right back to cleaning [when the break is over].” That could be 20 minutes and 10 minutes, or five and 45, whatever it takes.

More at source: NBC News

Simpler Then the 20/10 Rule Is Calling A Cleaning Professional Here

Fantasy Maids bring topless cleaning to Mankato area

IJCSA - — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:52:35 GMT

EAGLE LAKE — A new business offers a thorough house cleaning with a generous dose of the erotic.

"It's like having a stripper at your house, but they clean," said Laura Nusser, who started Fantasy Maid Services a few months ago. Since then, the Eagle Lake woman and a few friends have been getting a steady stream of business, cleaning homes in lingerie, topless or nude.

More at source: Mankato Free Press

18 Places You Should Be Cleaning with Vinegar in Your Kitchen

IJCSA - — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 13:29:59 GMT

The best all-purpose cleaner is probably in your cupboard right now. News flash: You should be cleaning everything in your kitchen with white vinegar. When diluted with water, it is a "miracle cleaner" that our test kitchen uses for almost everything.

Vinegar is made of acetic acid, which is a natural disinfectant for killing some common germs like salmonella and E. coli, but is best when used in tandem with antibacterial soap and water to guarantee all germs are killed.

More at source: Bon Appetit

Cleaning crews working overtime to stop spreading flu at the office

IJCSA - — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:27:49 GMT

The Deep Cleaners in Overland Park, Kansas, is one commercial cleaning company that's fighting the flu virus one spray at a time.

Their crews are paying special attention to highly-touched areas such as door handles, chairs and even copiers.

"We always clean surfaces such as keyboards, desk surfaces, even chair handles because those are places where if someone sneezes, and they put their hands on the chairs – that’s going to spread the flu," Andrea Palmer, owner of The Deep Cleaners, said.

According to the University of Kansas Hospital, some strains of the flu virus can survive on a hard surface for up to 24 hours.

More at source: WCPO

New Oregon Law Addresses Sexual Abuse Against Janitors

IJCSA - — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:02:32 GMT

Lawmakers in the Oregon state house voted in 2017 to introduce new protections for women in the janitorial industry. Those safeguards took effect this month. (AP Photo/Andrew Selsky)

As the #MeToo movement continues to reinvigorate a national conversation around sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, Oregon has become the second state in the country to pass a law geared specifically at preventing abuse against women in the janitorial industry.

Women in Oregon face some of the highest rates of sexual assault in the United States. More than 27 percent of women in the state have been raped, and 55.7 percent have been the victim of sexual violence other than rape, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More at source: PBS

Nation’s Largest Janitorial Company Faces New Allegations of Rape

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:41:00 GMT

America’s largest janitorial company, ABM Industries Inc., faces new allegations that it ignores sexual abuse in the workplace, years after it agreed in numerous legal settlements to change how it handles such cases.

Three times since 2000, the federal government had sued the company for failing to prevent sexual violence in the workplace. Each time, it agreed to make improvements.

Then, in a separate settlement in 2015, ABM promised to change how it responded to on-the-job rape allegations.

But three current cases out of Fresno, California, highlight a persistent phenomenon: Female janitors say that their supervisors exploit their power – and the isolation of the night shift – to violently harass them, while their employer looks the other way. Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and its reporting partners – UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program, KQED, FRONTLINE

More at source: PBS

Janitors allowed to keep city jobs even with outsourcing

IJCSA - — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 14:19:40 GMT

Floyd King, a janitor at the South Waco Community Center, said the discussion of outsourcing janitorial services has caused anxiety.

The final proposal for outsourcing the city’s janitorial services will head to the Waco City Council on Tuesday with a big concession to current workers.

The council will vote on a two-year contract with UBM Enterprise Inc. to clean up to 30 buildings at a cost of up to $582,000 a year. The council meets at the Waco Convention Center’s Bosque Theatre, with a 3 p.m. work session and 6 p.m. business session.

But city officials said it may be years before the firm takes over all those buildings, because current janitors will be able to choose if they want to continue as city employees.

Several city janitors, backed by other Waco residents and a couple of council members, had objected that the outsourcing would strip them of benefits, especially retirement, creating an unexpected hardship.

More at source: Waco Trib

Officials Warn Of Deadliest Flu Season On Record

IJCSA - — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 12:23:09 GMT

A total of 3,927 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported between October 1, 2017 and December 30, 2017. The overall hospitalization rate was 13.7 per 100,000 population.

The highest rate of hospitalization was among adults aged ≥65 years (56.6 per 100,000 population), followed by adults aged 50-64 (15.4 per 100,000 population) and children aged 0-4 years (9.9 per 100,000 population). Among 3,927 hospitalizations, 3,538 (90.1%) were associated with influenza A virus, 363 (9.2%) with influenza B virus, 12 (0.3%) with influenza A virus and influenza B virus co-infection, and 14 (0.4%) with influenza virus for which the type was not determined.

More at source: CDC

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 14:42:57 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s that time of year. You’re having holiday parties. Friends, family are coming over and staying with you. You prepare by cleaning up around the house. You think you’re good, but wait until you see some of the nastiest, germ-ridden places inside your house.

The first place right at the front door.

“So you’re doorknobs basically get touched by every single person that goes in and out of the home. What your’re going to want to do is at least wipe them down with an antibacterial, either a spray or a wipe,” says Kate Henley with Two Maids and a Mop.

Don’t forget the doorknobs around your house especially leading into the bathroom. Including the handle to that porcelain throne!

“Which was the most disgusting to you,” we ask homeowner Sally Monceaux.

“The remote. Cause that’s an everyday thing we use,” she says.

More at source: WFLA

Custodian stocks 'care closet' for homeless students

IJCSA - — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 14:52:33 GMT

For the past three years, Collins, a custodian, has been collecting and distributing clothes, school supplies, even food for the school's homeless students.

"These are our babies," Collins said. "They just want to learn. I just want to take care of them. Some of them sleeping in cars, some in hotels."

Collins said she was called to care for the kids while she was on her early shift three years ago. The students, she said, were dropped off early and hungry with no where to go.

But it's the loss of her son, killed during a home invasion, that also motivates her mission.

Video & More At Source: WLTX

Happy Holidays From IJCSA!

IJCSA - — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:29:52 GMT

Happy Holidays to Our Members and Friends! All of us at IJCSA wish our members and friends a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018!

IJCSA Offices Will Be Closed For The Holidays - 12/22 To 12/25 & 12/29 To 1/1

The Best Robot Vacuums

IJCSA - — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 15:14:33 GMT

How we picked

Since 2013, we’ve tracked 121 models (though many are now discontinued). Then, we prioritized some baseline specs:

A brush roll. Robot vacuums don’t have much suction, so they need a brush roll to boost their cleaning performance. Most models have one and sometimes two rolls, but the cheapest bots are suction-only.
An edge-cleaning brush. Usually, this is a spinning brush that sweeps debris into the path of a robot vacuum’s intake.
Functional customer support in the US. Most brands are good or even great in this regard, but a few low-cost brands don’t even have an English-language website or American phone number to call. We skipped them.

More At Source: Forbes

Janitorial Service guilty of overcharging $500K for Alamodome cleanup

IJCSA - — Fri, 15 Dec 2017 15:08:54 GMT

The operator of a janitorial service that cleaned the Alamodome has been convicted in an invoice scam that led to more than $500,000 in overcharges.

Federal investigators say 54-year-old Geoffrey Comstock was convicted Wednesday in San Antonio of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud.

The case involves the Alamodome, a multipurpose domed sports and special events facility operated by the city of San Antonio.

Authorities say Comstock owns the Frio Nevado Corp. and had an Alamodome janitorial contract from 2002 to 2016. Investigators say bogus invoices, submitted since mid-2014, were paid by the city.

Comstock faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.

More at source: KSAT.com

Robotics, powered wearables set to improve cleaners’ jobs

IJCSA - — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:54:44 GMT

SINGAPORE — To minimise the stench in toilets, floor tiles with coatings that can neutralise odours are being tested in the toilets at City Square Mall. Over at Changi General Hospital, senior workers could also put on exoskeletons – powered brace-like wearables – to reduce the strain of cleaning and waste management operations.

These are part of a series of trials to be conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and seven partners over the next few years to find better technologies and solutions for the environmental services industry. Letters of Intent were signed with the seven partners under the Innovating and Curating Better Automation and Technologies for Environmental Services (Incubate) initiative during the launch of the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map on Monday (Dec 11).

More at source: TodayOnline

PRIDE Industries is Awarded Janitorial Services Contract With Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

IJCSA - — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 18:06:37 GMT

-PRIDE Industries (PRIDE), is a nonprofit social enterprise providing facilities and manufacturing services to businesses and government agencies nationwide while creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities. PRIDE has been awarded a multi-year janitorial services contract with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA, KSEA, Sea-Tac).

Sea-Tac Airport is a premier international gateway serving the Puget Sound region, Washington State and is operated by the Port of Seattle. In 2016, more than 45 million passengers traveled through the airport, ranked the 9th busiest in the nation.

“We are eager to provide exceptional janitorial services for the Sea-Tac International Airport,” said Michael Ziegler, President and CEO of PRIDE Industries. “PRIDE’s commitment to First-Class Service ensures an impeccable environment for the millions of passengers and the airport personnel.

More at source: BusinessWire

This former Texas cop turned $5,000 into a multimillion-dollar business cleaning up crime scenes

IJCSA - — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 16:23:43 GMT

Texas-based CG Environmental is making millions from a dangerous and dirty job — cleaning up everything from crime scenes to chemical spills and dealing with all manner of scary substances, like radioactive waste, toxic sewage and and infectious bodily fluids.

"The job we do would make a lot of people pee a little," is how founder and CEO Erick McCallum describes it.

The business is expected to gross $20 million in sales in 2017, a company spokesman tells.

More at source: CNBC

Anaheim janitorial company paid workers below minimum wage, lawsuit alleges

IJCSA - — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 13:37:19 GMT

California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra sued an Orange County janitorial company, alleging the firm engaged in a conspiracy to defraud its workers who clean the stores of major retailers throughout the state.

Becerra, in a suit filed Thursday in Orange County Superior Court, alleged One Source Facility Solution paid below minimum wage, underreported payroll taxes and gave false information to its workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

More at source: LA Times

Find A Window Cleaning Service Here

Horrifying moment a window cleaner is left hanging in mid-air 25ft from the ground after falling from a crane

IJCSA - — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:00:18 GMT

This is the horrifying moment a window cleaner was left hanging in mid-air after falling from a crane.

Luckily the man, who has not been identified, was wearing a safety harness which stopped him plummeting 25ft to the ground.

It is believed the worker slipped trying to get back onto the cherry picker after cleaning the roof of a shopping centre in Bournemouth, Dorset.

More at source: Daily Mail UK

Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Chemicals Market 6.9%to Register a CAGR Growth of 5.2% through

IJCSA - — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 14:51:47 GMT

Future Market Insights delivers key insights on the global industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals market in its latest report titled 'Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Chemicals Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026'. Global sales revenue of industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals is projected to be valued at US$ 40.13 Bn by 2016, witnessing a Y-o-Y growth of 3.9% over 2015.

The APEJ regional market is expected to register high growth followed by the Latin America industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals market. The modern healthcare sector uses various devices and procedures to treat patients. The devices used in medical procedures are prone to serious infections. With the number of patients increasing in hospitals, the associated healthcare infections have emerged as a severe health issue in the past few years, posing a big threat to patient safety. It is estimated that over 20%-30% of these healthcare related infections can be prevented by intensive hygiene and control programs.

More at source: DC Velocity

Sexual harassment doesn't just happen to actors or journalists. Talk to a waitress, or a cleaner

IJCSA - — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 15:18:41 GMT

Why? For starters, most working-class women don’t hire publicists or lawyers, and they aren’t able to cultivate friends in high places. (They are very rarely applauded for that word of the year, “bravery”, in public forums.) Most of these women never go public at all. After all, if you’re earning $8 to $10 an hour, you cannot afford to go without a paycheck for the weeks it would take to find a new job. Any expression of dissatisfaction with a hostile workplace can lead to a legal firing on the grounds of, for example, having a bad attitude.

Blue-collar and retail workers may well be happy to see the issue of sexual harassment getting attention, yet they might also be irritated at celebs receiving all the attention and respond accordingly. Talk to a hairdresser, a waitress or a domestic worker, and you’re likely to encounter a deep vein of resentment.

More at source: The Guardian

The 4 germiest places you aren't cleaning

IJCSA - — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 18:34:05 GMT

By now you’ve heard that your trusty kitchen sponge is actually the germiest item in your kitchen. But that sponge isn’t the only hidden cesspool for bacteria. These are the four grossest spots in your home, that you definitely missed while cleaning.

1. Kitchen handles, doors, and knobs. You clean the kitchen floor, but probably neglect the surfaces you touch most often. They could have germs from raw meat, unwashed produce, and anything else you’ve touched. Don’t neglect your knobs when cleaning!

IJCSA - — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:05:21 GMT

There is nothing more exciting for children then when the weather gets colder, which means the holiday season (and time off from school) is basically here. But for parents, the colder weather means a lot more than just that — it means the start (and height) of flu season. Year after year doctors say getting the flu shot is vital for any parent and their child, and rates of the flu among the vaccinated support that medical advice. But the flu shot is especially vital now ..

More at source: Romper.com

Aramark tagged with worker fingerprint class action under IL privacy law

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 18:44:00 GMT

Aramark, one of the country’s largest employers, providing food and other vendor services to Chicago’s Soldier Field and numerous schools, corporate headquarters, hospitals, prisons and other institutional facilities in Illinois, has become one of the latest targets among a growing number of lawsuits under an Illinois privacy law, accusing employers of not properly handling the process of scanning and managing their employees’ fingerprints to log employees’ work hours.

On Nov. 7, attorneys with the firm of Werman Salas P.C., of Chicago, filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court against Aramark on behalf of named plaintiff Joseph Cintron, seeking to also expand the lawsuit to include a class of at least 500 workers, if not more, who also have worked for Aramark in Illinois since 2014.

More at source: Cook County Record

Imperial Dade acquires Kranz Inc.

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 15:51:43 GMT

New Jersey-based Imperial Dade, a national distributor of disposable food service and janitorial supplies, announced it has acquired the assets of Kranz Inc.

Kranz, based in Rancine, Wisconsin, is a janitorial supplies distributor. It sells janitorial and sanitary supplies throughout Wisconsin and the Chicago area.

This acquisition expands Imperial Dade’s footprint into the Midwest.

“Kranz’ exceptional customer service and storied history in the industry make it a great addition to the Imperial Dade platform. We enthusiastically welcome the Kranz team members to Imperial Dade and look forward to working together to grow the business further,” Robert Tillis, CEO of Imperial Dade, said.

More at source: NJBIZ.com

Robots May Be Cleaning Your Hospital Room Soon

IJCSA - — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 16:36:55 GMT

THURSDAY, Nov. 2, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- Hospitals are jumping on a tech trend, enlisting the help of germ-killing robots to tackle a potentially life-threatening but preventable issue: health care-associated infections.

For instance, Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville will begin deploying robots this month to protect hospitalized patients from harmful germs, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci).

The medical center's first inpatient area to utilize the germ-killing robots will be the Vanderbilt Regional Burn Center. After patients are sent home, their rooms will be cleaned with the usual liquid disinfectants and then a robot will be wheeled into the room to perform additional cleaning.

More at source: Health News

15 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean With Baking Soda

IJCSA - — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 15:32:52 GMT

Baking soda is like magic. There, we said it. This common little compound is cheap, readily available, and often more effective at getting things clean than pricey, chemical-laced, specialty cleaning products.

You probably already have a box of baking soda sitting around that you use for baking. Maybe you even figured out that a box of baking soda in the fridge helps to absorb odors. But did you know that baking soda can also help you clean your entire house.

More at source: CheatSheet.com

American Muslim janitor fired for 'asking for time off to pray'

IJCSA - — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 14:38:33 GMT

A Muslim janitor was allegedly fired from a public school in Georgia for being discriminated against when she asked the principal for time off to pray.

Penny Deams, a practicing Muslim since 15 years, complained that she was fired by Gwinnett County Public Schools after she refused to work till 10pm as it interfered with her prayers at sundown. Deams, worked as a janitor at Ferguson Elementary School in Duluth, Georgia between June 2015 and September 2015.

More at source: Tribune

Sweden's concept of 'death-cleaning' is spreading around the world

IJCSA - — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 17:09:13 GMT

Don’t let the macabre name fool you – death-cleaning is intended to be an uplifting experience. The Swedish concept has come to the forefront due to a new book by Swedish-born writer Margareta Magnusson. The writer, who describes herself as between 80 and 100 years old, had to downsize her home after the death of her husband, deciding what things to keep and what to get rid of. Death-cleaning doesn’t actually refer to cleaning up after a death of a loved one, but rather cleaning away your own clutter to make things easier for other people after your own demise.

&amp;amp;lt;strong&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;font face="Tahoma"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;font style="font-size: 20px;" color="#3B444F"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font face="Tahoma"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font style="font-size: 20px;" color="#3B444F"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font face="Tahoma"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font style="font-size: 20px;" color="#3B444F"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font face="Tahoma"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font style="font-size: 20px;" color="#3B444F"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;font style="font-size: 20px;" color="#3B444F" face="Miller Daily, Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;She also explains that it isn’t a sad process, but instead brings relief. It’s also not about getting rid of everything you own before you die – you can still keep things you want.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/b&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/font&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/strong&amp;amp;gt;

She also explains that it isn’t a sad process, but instead brings relief. It’s also not about getting rid of everything you own before you die – you can still keep things you want.

More At Source: Lonely Planet

Institutional Investors Are Betting On Abm Industries Inc (NYSE:ABM)

IJCSA - — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:55:50 GMT

Abm Industries Inc (NYSE:ABM) institutional sentiment increased to 1.11 in 2017 Q2. Its up 0.22, from 0.89 in 2017Q1. The ratio has improved, as 91 institutional investors opened new and increased equity positions, while 82 decreased and sold holdings in Abm Industries Inc. The institutional investors in our partner’s database now have: 50.48 million shares, up from 50.28 million shares in 2017Q1.

Also, the number of institutional investors holding Abm Industries Inc in their top 10 equity positions decreased from 2 to 1 for a decrease of 1. Sold All: 31 Reduced: 51 Increased: 63 New Position: 28.

More at source: Weekly Hub

Cleaning Chemicals Market : to Be Valued at US$ 40.13 Billion By 2026

IJCSA - — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 16:28:23 GMT

Global sales revenue of industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals is projected to be valued at US$ 40.13 Bn by 2016, witnessing a Y-o-Y growth of 3.9% over 2015. The APEJ regional market is expected to register high growth followed by the Latin America industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals market.

The modern healthcare sector uses various devices and procedures to treat patients. The devices used in medical procedures are prone to serious infections. With the number of patients increasing in hospitals, the associated healthcare infections have emerged as a severe health issue in the past few years, posing a big threat to patient safety. It is estimated that over 20%-30% of these healthcare related infections can be prevented by intensive hygiene and control programs.

More At Source: Blackbird

Protesters ask for higher wages for cleaners outside Ellis School fundraiser dinner

IJCSA - — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 14:36:36 GMT

PITTSBURGH —Protesters at the Ellis School in Shadyside say newly replaced janitorial staff at the school will be paid "poverty wages."

The group gathered outside the school during a fundraising dinner and expressed dismay at the school's decision not to rehire its janitorial staff when their contract expired at the end of July. Instead, the school hired a new cleaning crew and pays them $7.75 per hour.

"Think about how much these people are making," said Alyce Toombs, a member of the old janitorial staff. "They're not making $25,000 a year .. I believe that at $7.75, these people might be making $12,000 or $13,000 a year... And who can live on that?"

More at source: WTAE.com

Central Paper Products is getting a new owner

IJCSA - — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 13:07:25 GMT

MANCHESTER — Central Paper Products Co. Inc., a family-owned business for nearly 70 years, is getting a new owner, but its senior executives will stay on with the business.

Imperial Dade, a company with more than $1 billion in annual revenues, acquired Central Paper, which distributes paper, plastic, janitorial and office products in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine.

“The Kfoury family has built a lasting legacy in Central Paper over the past 70 years,” Central Paper President Matt Kfoury said in a statement. “We are confident this legacy will continue under the leadership of Imperial Dade. My brother Fred, my sister Chris and I are excited and looking forward to expanding and growing the business in New England.”

More at source: Union Leader

New IJCSA Sponsor - Housecall Pro!

IJCSA - — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 11:41:38 GMT

IJCSA would like to announce a relationship with our Newest Sponsor Member, Housecall Pro!

From Housecall Pro: We’re excited to be a Member of IJCSA and for the opportunity to contribute to your continued success and growth. That’s why we at Housecall Pro want to offer you a tool to help run and grow your entire business from your smartphone and computer, saving you up to 15 hours a week in paperwork.

Our #1 rated app lets you do everything from scheduling jobs and sending customers text notifications, to automating all of your payments and invoicing. We’re offering IJCSA Members a starting price of $39 a month and a free one hour consultation. If you’d like to learn more about everything we have to offer, click here to sign up for your free consultation.

- Housecall Pro

Officials: Early start to flu season in Midwest

IJCSA - — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:14:56 GMT

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Health officials say the flu season is off to an early start in states neighboring Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Health doesn’t officially start tracking cases until October, but they are hearing about reports that the illness is already showing up in numbers that are close to what other states like Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas are seeing.

In Wisconsin, officials say from the start of the month through Monday there have been 19 confirmed cases of influenza in the state. Eight people have been hospitalized. In 2016 during this time they only saw five cases.

North Dakota health officials say they have confirmed nine cases so far this month, including four in counties that border Minnesota. Three of them were across from East Grand Forks. The other was near Fergus Falls.

More at source: NBC

A Mobile Trash Can Cleaning Service Has Hit San Antonio’s Streets

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 14:41:37 GMT

For San Antonio residents, there’s a new weapon: The Trash Can Cleaners, a mobile automated and self-contained cart cleaning service that comes to the curb following trash service and cleans and sanitizes carts. A majority female-owned business, The Trash Can Cleaners began as idea tossed around by Brannon Fowler. Previously, Fowler had run a pressure washer business that specialized in cleaning oil drilling rigs. Eventually, he started making biodegradable soaps that washed the oil rigs with an environmentally safe cleaner.

More at source: Waste 360

On-Demand Cleaning Service Workers Are Employees, U.S. Labor Board Says

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:55:26 GMT

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint against the digital on-demand platform Handy Technologies Inc., alleging that workers who provide its home cleaning services are employees despite the company’s claims to the contrary.

The case is one of the first in which the agency is directly addressing under what circumstances a sharing-economy company’s control over its workers makes it their legal employer –- an issue on which its approach could soon change under Republican leadership.

The complaint, issued last Monday by the agency’s Boston-based regional director and provided to Bloomberg by the workers’ attorney, alleges that Handy “has misclassified its cleaners as ‘independent contractors,’ while they are in fact statutory employees” who are entitled to the protections of federal labor law.

More at source: Insurance Journal

Sign Up For These Certification Courses Now >>

Back To School For Cleaning Professionals! - IJCSA Cleaning Certification Courses

IJCSA - — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:19:33 GMT

Certification Courses

Now you can get certified right from the comfort of your home and/or office, anytime day or night. Online Certification Courses and classes from the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association are an excellent way for you to expand your knowledge and continue your education.

All of our cleaning and janitorial certification programs and course materials are included with membership at NO EXTRA CHARGE!

Members should certify at their own pace.

IJCSA Master Certification (IMC) - The most comprehensive in depth online cleaning and janitorial certification program available today. 250+ questions w/ 110 written essay questions. Verbal oral exam. Average test certification time 4 hours. Average course study time 20 hours. All course materials available online.

Carpet Cleaning Certification (CCC) This IJCSA Carpet Cleaning Certification course covers basic to advanced carpet cleaning techniques and will enable you to be confident on every job no matter what the customer asks you or what carpet cleaning challenges are encountered. Training is focused on the green cleaning process along with standard carpet cleaning practices. Covered in this course is how to remove stubborn stains, how to prevent stains from returning, and the techniques to clean all carpet, upholstery & rugs. Average test certification time 2 hours. Average course study time 10-12 hours. All course materials available online

Mold Inspection & Remediation Services (MIRS)- Provides members the ability to identify and correct potential mold infestation in a residential home or commercial building. This IJCSA course will provide you with a fundamental knowledge about fungi and the potential health risks of toxic mold. 80 hours as required by law. All course materials available online.

Green Cleaning Company Certification (GCC)- Residential and commercial consumers are no longer satisfied with services saying they are green companies. In some commercial situations a certification is required for you to clean their building, so they stay current with their own certification process. Green cleaning is now the most popular choice for service providers based on health and environmental reasons. Average test certification time 2 hours. Average course study time 5-6 hours. All course materials available online.

Chemical Hazards Certification (CHC) Improve your understanding of the underlying health and environmental impacts of chemical hazards by reviewing the toxic effects of materials and the basic mechanism of MSDS. Average test certification time 2 hours. Average course study time 3 hours. All course materials available online.

Customer Service Certification (CSC) A company's reputation is only as good as the customer service it provides. Please a customer, and your client base will swell with relatives and neighbors who catch wind of your top-notch service. But upset one, and brace yourself for disaster. Average test certification time 1 hour. Average course study time 1 hour. All course materials available online.

CLEANING PRODUCTS MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC LUNG DISEASES LIKE ASTHMA, STUDY SHOWS

IJCSA - — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 18:48:24 GMT

We know that cleanliness is important, but at what price? It’s bad enough that antibacterial soap is contributing to the growing drug-resistant bacteria dilemma, but now new research suggests that using too much bleach may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious and often deadly lung condition.

A recent study found that nurses who used disinfectants to clean surfaces at least once a week had a 24-percent to 32-percent increased risk of developing COPD over the course of eight years compared to nurses who used these products less frequently. This link remained even after researchers made adjustments for other COPD risk factors such as age, smoking status, body mass index, and ethnicity.

"Our findings provide further evidence of the effects of exposure to disinfectants on respiratory problems, and highlight the urgency of integrating occupational health considerations into guidelines for cleaning and disinfection in healthcare settings such as hospitals,” explained study author Orianne Dumas, a pulmonologist at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research,...

More at source: Newsweek

Find A Flood Damage Cleaning Service Here

Hurricane Irma: Hundreds of tree crews staged, ready for storm cleanup

IJCSA - — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:08:45 GMT

PERRY, Ga. — Tree crews from around the country were still arriving at the Georgia National Fairgrounds late Sunday in preparation for Hurricane Irma cleanup to the south.

Hundreds of bucket trucks had parked in straight lines and were ready for deployment, likely after the storm has passed on Tuesday.

One crew had used duct tape to send the storm a message: "Irma, here we come."

"It's amazing what they have done in the last 48 hours," said Philip Gentry Jr., agricultural director for the fairgrounds. "It's a mini city over there."

Perry is a city about 30 minutes south of Macon and near the center of Georgia and two hour's drive from the Florida line.

Gentry's team set up a temporary lounge in the goat and sheep lounge for the tree crews, complete with big-screen TVs.

More at source: Greenville Online

To Understand Rising Inequality, Consider the Janitors at Two Top Companies, Then and Now

IJCSA - — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 15:08:08 GMT

ROCHESTER — Gail Evans and Marta Ramos have one thing in common: They have each cleaned offices for one of the most innovative, profitable and all-around successful companies in the United States.

For Ms. Evans, that meant being a janitor in Building 326 at Eastman Kodak’s campus in Rochester in the early 1980s. For Ms. Ramos, that means cleaning at Apple`s headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., in the present day.

In the 35 years between their jobs as janitors, corporations across America have flocked to a new management theory: Focus on core competence and outsource the rest. The approach has made companies more nimble and more productive, and delivered huge profits for shareholders. It has also fueled inequality and helps explain why many working-class Americans are struggling even in an ostensibly healthy economy.

More At Source: NY Times

Labor Day: Union rallies demand raises, decry employers

IJCSA - — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 10:08:58 GMT

Outside a McDonald’s restaurant on North First Street in San Jose, protesters agitated for $15 minimum wage, then stormed through the restaurant, banging drums and calling on bullhorns for better pay — to the bewilderment of Opening Manager Chris Sin.

Marching on San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail next to Dell, demonstrators scolded the tech giant for dumping janitorial contractors last year after workers won the right to unionize, and for replacing them with lower-paid, part-time workers. At at the Community Child Care Council of Santa Clara County, they demanded speedier contract negotiations for workers who unionized two years ago.

Despite the resurgent national economy, soaring local housing costs and stagnant wages have squeezed the lowest-paid workers.

“Workers in the service industry and child-care sector who are the backbone of our tech economy have not seen any of those economic gains and have been left behind,” said Riko Mendez, Local 521’s chief elected officer.

More At Source: Mercury News

Find A Flood Damage Service Here

The U.S. Might Not Have Enough Construction Workers to Rebuild Houston After Harvey

IJCSA - — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 13:26:23 GMT

The disaster that is Tropical Storm Harvey is still ongoing. It will be some time before the waters recede and the effect on Houston can be fully assessed. But it is already clear the damage to property is immense. Tens of thousands of structures were impacted by floodwaters. Eventually, Houston will require massive cleanup, demolition, and reconstruction of individual homes, large buildings, and infrastructure.

The first concern will be the financial resources necessary: Will insurance companies cover all the losses, and how much of them? How will the federal government’s heavily indebted flood insurance program come up with the cash to pay claims? And how much additional assistance will the federal government provide?

There’s another problem: a lack of human resources. It takes a lot of labor to remove debris after a storm and then reinstall Sheetrock and drywall, rebuild floors, and fix electrical and plumbing systems. The work is resistant to automation. And it is but one way in which Houston, which was poorly situated to deal with a hurricane, may also be poorly situated to recover from it.

More at source: Slate.com

Union workers protest company for cutting jobs in Portland bank building

IJCSA - — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 13:37:51 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. – A workers union plans to protest the new owners of a downtown Portland office building, saying the owners have changed janitorial service companies to save cost and cut longtime union jobs.

The Service Employees International Union Local 49 said it expected hundreds to to protest Chicago-based Zeller Realty at the Umpqua Bank Plaza

More at source: KGW.com

Janitorial Service Sodexo Wins Lawsuit Against Detroit For $28M settlement

IJCSA - — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 15:19:57 GMT

A federal lawsuit against the Detroit school district is officially over.

U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith signed off on the dismissal of the lawsuit today, more than a week after the district's board of education approved a $28-million settlement with Sodexo Management, the janitorial services company.

The board on Aug. 15 approved the settlement that would pay the company over two years, with the first payment of $16 million coming this month. Additional payments would be made of $2 million in February, $2 million in April and $8 million in August 2018.

More at source: Detroit Free Press

How to Protect Yourself from Cold and Flu in 2017

IJCSA - — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:36:56 GMT

When the weather starts to cool down and you feel a nip in the air, it means that cold and flu season are just around the corner. Although there is no sure-fire way to avoid catching a cold or the flu, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of these illnesses this fall and winter. On this page, we've rounded up the most important information from Live Science on how to help prevent cold and flu, and what to do if you get sick.

Cold and flu infections both cause similar symptoms, and they are both more common in the winter months compared to other times of the year. But these illnesses have important differences. For example:

Only influenza viruses cause the flu, while many different viruses can cause colds.

There is a vaccine to prevent the flu, while there is no vaccine to prevent the common cold.

Adults have an average of two to three colds a year, but only get the flu about twice a decade. Kids get colds and the flu more frequently.

More at source: Live Science

Ohio forensic scientists discover OxiClean can safely clean up Fentanyl spills

IJCSA - — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 12:33:28 GMT

Forensic science researchers at an Ohio university have discovered that a certain household cleaning product can help law enforcement agencies clean up Fentanyl spills.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Bowling Green State University President Mary Ellen Mazey announced on Thursday that researchers have determined that household cleaner OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover has proven scientifically to be effective in cleaning up Fentanyl spills.

More At Source: Fox News

Detroit schools may pay $28M to settle suit with janitorial company

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 16:36:21 GMT

Detroit schools would be on the hook for $28 million to settle a costly lawsuit with a janitorial services company.

The Detroit board of education is to take action Tuesday on a proposed settlement with Maryland-based Sodexo Management, which first filed a lawsuit against the district in 2014.

The company would be paid $28 million over two years, with the first payment of $16 million coming this month, according to background information prepared for the board for the meeting.

More at source: Detroit Free Press

City eyes $10.6M price tag for janitorial work

IJCSA - — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 18:07:11 GMT

Higher wages would spur huge increase in Palo Alto's janitorial costs

Jose Elizalde, custodian assistant for the City of Palo Alto, heads out to empty trash and clean the facilities at Cubberley Community Center on Aug. 8, 2017. Elizalde, an hourly employee with the city of Palo Alto, also works part-time for the Palo Alto Unified School District. Photo by Veronica Weber.

Palo Alto's commitment to fair wages will face its first real test Monday night, when the City Council considers a new janitorial contract that will more than double the cost of keeping City Hall and other public buildings clean.

The proposed five-year contract with the firm SWA Services Group would cost the city about $1.9 million in the first year, which according to a Public Works Department report represents an increase of about $1.2 million in 2018 alone over the current provider. In subsequent years, the city would pay between $1.96 million and $2.15 million for the service.

More at source: Palo Alto Online

Hiring a Professional Janitorial Service is Good for Business

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:07:14 GMT

We are excited when we add a new client, business, school, doctor’s office or manufacturer to our roster of clients. We know that we are helping that company to be its best. While talking to business owners, we often hear,

“We do the cleaning ourselves” or, “The employees take turns doing the cleaning of the office.” We are often given “reasons” why companies do not need a professional janitorial service. I’d like to take a minute to look at the reasons why they should. It may seem financially beneficial to multitask and take care of the company’s cleaning needs in house, but there are many reasons to re-think this strategy, and determine whether is it actually helping in the long run. Here are some thoughts:

EXPERTISE – A professional janitorial company has trained individuals that understand the job. They know what to look for and how to take care of it. A good cleaning company has training programs and standards by which the cleaning staff must adhere. It has years of experience and knows what needs to be done to keep things in tip top shape.

More at source: Flagstaff Business News

Your kitchen sponge is absolutely filthy, and cleaning it won’t fix things, says study

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:17:21 GMT

Today in ‘everything you touch is disgusting’ news, your kitchen sponge is so filth-ridden that you may want to just get up now, run to the kitchen, and toss it in the bin.

Each sponge was separated into its top and bottom parts with sterile instruments, and immediately frozen until the researchers could conduct DNA extraction and FISH staining.

The owners of the sponges were then asked if they regularly applied special measures to clean their sponge, such as heating it in the microwave or rinsing with hot, soapy water, and how frequently they changed their sponge

More at source: Metro UK

Scott County’s janitorial bid stirs debate

IJCSA - — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 14:25:16 GMT

HUNTSVILLE — For a third consecutive year, Scott County’s contract for janitorial supplies has created some contention.

This time around, County Commission reversed a previous stance of awarding the county’s janitorial bid to a local company despite its higher bid, causing representatives from that company to appear before commissioners Monday to make a plea that the bid be reconsidered.

County Commission last month followed the recommendation of the Scott County Finance Committee and awarded the bid for janitorial supplies to Ellison Supply, a LaFollette-based company that submitted the lowest bid for supplies for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. On Monday, representatives for Scott Janitorial, a local company with a parent office in Somerset, Ky., appeared before commissioners to request they reconsider the bid.

More at source: IHOnedia.com

Find A Window Cleaning Service Here

A Brief History of Window Cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 11:03:38 GMT

A VERSION OF THIS POST ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON TEDIUM, A TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSLETTER THAT HUNTS FOR THE END OF THE LONG TAIL.

For centuries, the average home had windows, but not necessarily glass covering those windows—in part, because glass was really expensive at first, and the flat pane variety that we’re used to didn’t even exist.

But as glass evolved as part of the 20th-century home, it suddenly became important to keep those panes of glass clean. And that meant there was an opportunity for the Philip W. Drackett Company to come about and make it easy.

More at source: Atlas Obscura

‘My family needs me’: Janitor facing deportation makes an appeal from jail

IJCSA - — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:54:59 GMT

My wife is pregnant, and now I do not know where I will be when our baby is born. She and the baby are now in more danger because of the stress that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has made for us. My mother is also sick. My daughters are not sleeping. They cry all the time and do not understand why I can’t be with them. I worry so much for them.

I was told that if I did what ICE said, I would not have to be in jail. I believed them. I came when they told me and did what they said, but they took me. I do not understand why I am here.

More at source: Boston Globe

Durham public school janitors win $77,000 in back wages

IJCSA - — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 14:42:41 GMT

DURHAM One hundred and forty-nine school janitors are finally getting paid.

Judge Loretta C. Biggs of the U.S. Middle District Court of North Carolina verbally approved a settlement providing $77,000 in back wages to 149 former employees of Integrity Facilities Management Inc. on Thursday.

Before IFM declared bankruptcy in 2014, the company was a subcontractor for SSC Service Solutions Inc, which provided janitorial services for the Durham Public Schools.

“I was very happy when I got the message,” Liliam Bustillo Cerrato said. “Very happy.”

Cerrato worked as a janitor at Fayetteville Street Elementary School, Rogers-Herr Middle School and Jordan High School between 2005 and 2014.

IFM janitors were cleaning 16 out of 52 DPS schools and four DPS administrative buildings.

The North Carolina Justice Center has represented the former IFM janitors in legal proceedings.

More at source: Herald Sun

Janitorial services provider ABM to buy rival for $1.25 billion

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 13:12:26 GMT

(Reuters) - Janitorial services provider ABM Industries Inc said it would buy privately held rival GCA Services Group for about $1.25 billion, more than tripling revenue at its high-margin business that provides services to schools and colleges.

Shares of ABM rose as much as 5.4 percent to $42.90, their biggest intraday percentage gain in more than four months.

GCA Services is owned by Goldman Sachs Group Inc and private equity firm Thomas H Lee Partners LP. It provides janitorial and custodial services to more than 3,200 public schools and over 80 colleges and universities across United States.

More at source: Reuters

Tampa janitorial firm sued by EEOC for unlawful hiring practices against African-Americans

IJCSA - — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:41:55 GMT

TAMPA — A Tampa-based janitorial service provider has been charged with an "ongoing pattern" denying African-American applications employment based on their race in a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Diversified Maintenance System, LLC is also accused of subjecting one black employee to racial slurs, discriminatory practices and punishment for opposing its unlawful actions.

"Diversified Maintenance disagrees with every aspect of the EEOC's allegations and firmly stands by the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities for all applicants," company spokesperson Carol Cookerly said in a statement Thursday. "After a two-year unproductive fishing expedition -— where Diversified Maintenance has been cooperative in responding to every extensive document request from the EEOC — the commission has clearly chosen to file an unsubstantiated lawsuit on behalf of one single disgruntled former employee citing manipulated and redacted statistics."

More at source: TampaBay.com

5 Reasons You Should Be Investing in Employee Development

IJCSA - — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:52:51 GMT

Every employee can benefit from a solid employee development program, whether they are salaried or hourly. Yet it's easily forgotten or let slide in the pressure of everyday business. Some days you might feel like it's hard enough to get through the day, much less manage and create a continued and future plan for employee development. But as a business owner, you can’t afford to cut employee development from your budget.

Why should you press on and try to make it happen in your business? Here are 5 reasons:

1. It helps attract and keep great employees.

Employee retention is a huge challenge (and expense) for employers. So is the hiring process. Having a solid employee development program can help make that less of a burden.

When it comes to attracting and hiring the best employees, here’s why a solid employee development program matters:

It is a benefit. Employee development can be seen as a benefit, and that is something employees weigh in the "pros" column when finding a job. Hourly employees, especially, don't always receive the benefits that salaried workers in larger companies are accustomed to. Providing employee development as part of the hiring package gives you a competitive advantage over other similar jobs and wages.
It builds loyalty. Loyal employees aren't prone to quitting. That's what employee retention is all about. Knowing that an employer is willing to provide training and development makes an employee feel important and it makes them loyal.
It increases your reputation. Having a reputation as a good employer — one who cares enough to provide training — is great both for hiring new employees as well as how customers see you. Word gets out about who is good to work for, and that can affect sales as well as the hiring process.
It brings in good people. By offering training, continuing education, conference attendance, or even something as simple as a book allowance, with the understanding that you expect them to participate, you will attract employees who are looking to better themselves. That's an employee you want to hire in the first place.

2. It helps you create promotable employees.

Hiring managers and other upper-level employees from within is a good idea. Who else is more familiar with your day-to-day business, and with your customers? But not every long-time employee is ready for such positions, and promoting them when they aren't leads to problems.

A proper employee development program will:

Create a pool of capable workers
Create workers ready for promotion.
Help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your employees.

Employee development both trains your current employees for possible future promotion from daily worker to management as well as shows you which employees have aptitude for such a promotion. Better to learn about strengths and weaknesses in training rather than out on the sales floor with actual customers.

3. It keeps employees engaged at work.

Bored employees are a recipe for disaster. They easily take on negative attitudes, sloppy work habits, and cause damage to relationships with other employees and customers.

Employee development is a way that you can keep your employees engaged at work to prevent that kind of boredom from setting in. Interesting training programs, and future development events that are fun or challenging to look forward to — this removes the plodding daily feel to a job that leads to that dreaded boredom.

4. It helps you save and earn money.

A good employee is like money in the bank.

That well-trained, confident, and engaged employee we've been talking about? They are going to do better work for you in the long run. That's going to help save you money, as employees become more efficient and proficient. Employee development also has the potential to increase salaries and output. Either way, that's good for your bottom line, and that's exactly why Sarvadi classified employee development not as an expense, but as an investment.

5. It forces you to look to the future.

Employee development is a continuing thing, and that means that you always have to have an eye on the future. You'll be asking yourself:

What kind of leadership will I need?
What will my customers need from my employees?
What industry changes might I expect?

Since your employees are integral to any answer you might come up with for these questions, their training and development are tightly involved, too.

That's what forces you to think ahead, because employee development programs don't happen without planning. The training that worked last year might not work next year. Your business culture might be shifting according to customer and industry needs. You might need to attract a different kind of employee and your development offerings need to shift to reflect that.

An employee development plan that's going to work necessarily forces you to consider the future path of your business. That's a good thing. Staying on your toes as far as relevant employee development is concerned means you'll be thinking ahead of the curve for your business.

Source: SBA

IJCSA - — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:06:00 GMT

Common cleaners used in homes, hotels and hospitals cause birth defects in fetuses, according to a new study of mice.

In some cases just being in the same room with the chemicals was enough to increase birth defects in the mice. The scientists involved say they can’t draw any conclusions for exposed humans but “animal studies are the gold standard for predicting human health effects,” said Terry Hrubec, professor and researcher at Virginia Tech University and lead author of the study published today in the journal Birth Defects Research.

The mice didn’t even need to be directly dosed–just using disinfectants in the rooms led to increased birth defect rates.People are exposed “every day to these chemicals,” she added ...

More at source: Enviromental Health News

California Janitorial Business Owner Nabbed in $32M Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme

IJCSA - — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 14:12:19 GMT

Detectives with the California Department of Insurance arrested Gina Marie Gregori, 55, of Lafayette, for allegedly under reporting payroll and duping insurers out of $32 million. Gregori was charged with 19 felony counts and is being held on $5.2 millino bail at the San Francisco County Jail.

Over a seven-year period Gregori, owner of GMG Janitorial, GMG Billings, and Apex Janitorial Solutions, allegedly falsified documents and underreported payroll to her workers’ comp insurance company, according to CDI detectives.

More at source: Insurance Journal

Firm Gives Up $14.7M Lambert Cleaning Contract Amid Chicago Controversy

IJCSA - — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 10:45:15 GMT

June 10--A Chicago firm has abruptly given up its $14.74 million janitorial contract at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, spurring Lambert to seek new bids for the three-year deal.

United Maintenance Co. withdrew June 2. A few days earlier, Lambert officials had begun inquiring about a news report that United was accused by a Chicago agency of reserving jobs based on political considerations in violation of its contract with that city.

More at source: Aviation Pros

More school cleaning companies facing allegations of underpaying staff

IJCSA - — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:29:01 GMT

CONTRACTOR banned from cleaning state government schools because it underpaid its workers has been replaced by four companies that are also subject to allegations of underpayment.

The Andrews government is under increasing pressure to overhaul the state’s school-cleaning system.

The Education Department has received complaints that one of the companies failed to pay penalty rates, and paid some workers flat rates of $21.22 to $23.54 an hour rather than the award minimum of $24.58 an hour.

More at source: Herald Sun

Find A Live Cleaning Service Here

Meet the robo-janitor designed by Amazon for cleaning up robotic warehouses

IJCSA - — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:58:37 GMT

How does Amazon plan to keep automated warehouses free of debris? With automated cleanup robots, of course.

At least that’s a scenario laid out in a patent granted to the Seattle-based online retailer today. There’s no guarantee the cleanup robots will become a reality. But it makes a weird sort of sense to have robots pick up after messy robots.

The application, filed more than two years ago, describes a reporting network that can be used by workers, robots or sensor-equipped monitoring stations to alert a central control system to the presence of an out-of-place object – for example, a box that’s fallen out of a bin, or a piece of trash that’s been left in the aisle.

More at source: Geek Wire

Company scams janitorial supply businesses out of 900K

IJCSA - — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 12:42:45 GMT

A scam from a company claiming to operate out of Minneapolis is making its way across the nation and has even targeted a business in the Northwest. According to BBB reports, Waterford Management, a building management and janitorial services company, has already scammed multiple companies out of around $900,000 worth of supplies. Better Business Bureau Serving the Northwest advises all business owners to be cautious of solicitations from Waterford Management.

A janitorial supply business in Eugene, Oregon, reported Waterford Management set up an account with them and submitted all the appropriate credit application information and references required to make the order. Shortly afterward Waterford Management ordered another shipment, this time set up as a “blind” shipment to New York through a freight company.

More at source: Idaho Press

Dishwashers are ideal for cleaning a range of items like toothbrushes, baseball caps and flip-flops

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 May 2017 14:39:56 GMT

A DISHWASHER is ideal for cleaning a range of items like toothbrushes and flip-flops, say experts.

The powerful sprays and heat not only wash off dirt but kill germs as they sterilise objects.

Grimy baseball caps, plastic toys and hairbrushes can also be loaded in for a deep-clean — but not at the same time as your crockery, pans and cutlery, advises the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Their guide says: “Most likely you aren’t using your dishwasher to its full potential.”

More at source: SUN UK

South Bay schools in scrub-down mode after possible norovirus outbreak

IJCSA - — Thu, 18 May 2017 15:53:51 GMT

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -The San Jose Unified School District is in scrub down mode after hundreds of students got sick with signs pointing to the norovirus as the cause.

Recess was a little different today for students at Hacienda Magnet, where the play structure, as well as the playground equipment was off-limits as the district deals with the outbreak.

Elizabeth Hirai called it a smart move after her two daughters were forced to stay home because of the virus."My girls yesterday slept throughout the day, napped and then slept through the night," Hirai said Hacienda was hit the hardest with nearly 90 students who have reported feeling sick. The total number of sickened students has grown to 240 cases spread across at least ten campuses.

More at source: ABC

Dyson aims to build on sales with R&D centre in China

IJCSA - — Tue, 16 May 2017 16:09:06 GMT

The UK consumer appliances group is generating more than half of its profits in Asia as it targets consumers willing to pay for its premium vacuum cleaners. The company’s China sales more than tripled last year, propelling it into one of its top five markets.

While Japan is Dyson’s second-largest market after the US, the brand has been increasing its foothold in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, where its sales also tripled last year. India is the next big target market.

More at Source: FT.com

Cost Of Green Cleaning Certification

IJCSA - — Sun, 14 May 2017 16:29:15 GMT

The IJCSA Green Certification Course that is included with membership is worth the cost of membership by itself. The course is extremely in depth and very affordable. Along with the course, certified members get listed in our green cleaning directory. We won`t mention the association that is selling this green cleaning certification below but it is safe to say that our Green Certification Course is the most affordable program available online today.

Schools convert to environmentally friendly cleaning products to promote health

IJCSA - — Thu, 11 May 2017 12:34:12 GMT

The public schools have gone green to get clean.

The School Department is converting to environmentally friendly cleaning products and shelving the chemically potent standard cleaners to improve air quality and end exposure to potentially toxic liquids and sprays, a press release said.

"We have chosen to make an investment in green cleaning products so that our staff and students will have a more asthma- and allergy-friendly learning environment," the press release said.

Asthma is a chronic illness that affects the respiratory tract and airways that carry oxygen in and out of the lungs. Asthma is more prevalent among Holyoke students in grades kindergarten to grade eight, with 27 percent reported to have asthma, than the statewide average for such students of 12.4 percent, according to the press release

More at source: Mass Live

Possible norovirus outbreak forces closure of second charter school in Las Vegas Valley

IJCSA - — Tue, 09 May 2017 11:05:00 GMT

Southern Nevada Health District officials met Monday in response to the closure of two Las Vegas Valley charter schools due to outbreaks of a gastrointestinal illness, possibly norovirus.

Dr. Eve Breier, principal of Imagine Schools at Mountain View in Las Vegas, said about 10 percent of its 670 students called in sick each day over the past week and a half, prompting closure of the school on Monday and Tuesday.

More at source: Las Vegas Review

Five indoor projects to add to spring cleaning list

IJCSA - — Thu, 04 May 2017 16:16:32 GMT

(BPT) - Spring cleaning is a seasonal tradition. You've been setting house projects aside all winter, and now's the perfect time to make sure the warm weather season starts with a cleaner, happier home. So open the windows, turn on your favorite song, and start your spring cleaning with these five to-dos.

* Clear the clutter. Removing excess clutter is a great cleaning tip any time of year, but finishing this task when the weather was colder may not have been as tempting. Tackle your home room by room and analyze the items you find. If you haven't used something in a year or more, it's time for it to go.

* Freshen up the floors. After a season of tracking dirt, snow and mud, your floors could use some attention. If the damage is minor, a thorough vacuuming will do the trick. If the wear and tear is more significant, you may need a more comprehensive solution. If you have carpet, renting a carpet cleaner allows you to tackle the job yourself, saving you money over hiring a professional or purchasing your own machine. And if you have hardwood or tile floors, rent a floor buffer. It's the easiest way to give your floors back their shine in no time.

More at source: Herald Extra

Find A Non-Nude Home Cleaning Service Here

Firm slammed for offering NAKED maid service

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 May 2017 14:04:44 GMT

A naked maid service has been criticised for offering topless cleaning on a holiday island.

Maid on the Isle of Wight charges customers £85 an hour for a naked woman to clean their home, while a topless maid costs £65.

The firm also offers nude hostesses or butlers, ladies dressed as French maids and even allows people to get naked themselves while watching a clothed cleaner work.

More at source: The Mirror

Student organization lobbies for better treatment of janitorial workers

IJCSA - — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 12:23:16 GMT

A student organization is demanding GW offer better benefits to custodial workers.

Fair Jobs GW – a student-run campaign to push for better treatment of GW’s workers – met with officials last week to make demands for improved working conditions on behalf of janitorial workers. Members of the group said the workers are overworked and fear losing their jobs after officials have made staffing cuts and relied more heavily on third-party contractors in recent years.

Henry Klapper, an organizer for Fair Jobs GW and a former Hatchet reporter, said janitorial workers told members of the organization that the University is now understaffed and relies on contracted workers.

More at source: The GW Hatchet

Singing janitor puts smiles on the faces at Mountain View. He’ll do the same for you.

IJCSA - — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 11:08:55 GMT

On any given day, Leo Zaverukha’s booming voice echoes through the Mountain View High School halls that he mops and across the fields that he mows.

Some days it’s Russian folk songs. On others, he serenades students with American classics or Christian hymns. Either way, he’s tough to miss.

A Ukrainian, Zaverukha came to the United States in 1996 after his parents fled from Russia as refugees. He first settled in California before getting the job at Mountain View in Meridian in 2005. He’s been a fixture ever since.

More at source: Idaho Statesman

Janitorial contractor at LAX settles lawsuit over English-only policy for workers

IJCSA - — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 11:26:38 GMT

A janitorial airline contractor at Los Angeles International Airport and more than a dozen of its employees have settled a case alleging their supervisor improperly prohibited them from speaking Spanish during work hours and breaks.

Attorneys for lead plaintiff Irma Espinoza and the other Gate Gourmet workers filed a notice of dismissal of the lawsuit last week in Los Angeles Superior Court and a notice of settlement in March. No terms were divulged.

In May 2015, the janitors sued Gate Gourmet — which provides cabin cleaning and restocking services to Delta Air Lines at LAX — accusing the company of failing to prevent the discriminatory policy.

The suit alleged unlawful workplace language policy, harassment, failure to prevent discrimination and national origin discrimination.

More at source: Daily Breeze

Happy Easter From IJCSA

IJCSA - — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:47:19 GMT

No Bunny Likes A Dirty House :)

Crews still cleaning up medical waste after Petersburg building explosion

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 11:55:18 GMT

PETERSBURG, Va. -- Cleanup continues at a medical waste services building in Petersburg, where an explosion caused the building to partially collapse last month.

The explosion at Curtis Bay Medical Waste Services in the 1900 block of Puddledock Road injured three people.

Two weeks later, part of the building is still unsafe for investigators who are still trying to figure out what exactly happened that day.

Howard Burnette says he won’t ever forget March 31, 2017.

“'It was a very, very scary day,” he said.

Burnette, who works next door to Curtis Bay Medical Waste Services, was outside changing tires when a piece of debris flew across his face.

More at source: CBS

Janitorial/Cleaning Supply Firms Targeted by Scammers

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 11:33:38 GMT

Over the last month, janitorial and cleaning supply companies have been targeted by scammers in six states – Montana, Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois and Maine. The scheme involves, Waterford Management, a company with a bogus address listed in Minneapolis, MN. The company orders cleaning supplies, either by phone or online, to be picked up by a third-party shipper. The company keeps prospective vendor’s suspicions at bay with spotless credit applications and plenty of supporting documentation. They also created three fictitious online entities to vouch for them as references and appear to have a bank account Minnesota. The company kept a small amount of funds in that account, so the bank will confirm that they do have an account there. To date victimized businesses have lost more than $150,000 in this scam.

Be on the alert for anyone who tries to place an order for products in the name of this company. Inform employees to look out for this scam and what should be done. Best Practice: Require any company placing an order for the first time to pay upfront via credit card. In this way, you will be able to confirm payment before shipping the order. Source: Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota

For more information on this scam, check out BBB Sounds Alarm on Waterford Management. To report a scam, go to the BBB Scam Tracker. To find trustworthy businesses, go to bbb.org.

Transform An Old Cleaning Wipe Container Into A Household Hero

IJCSA - — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 11:17:34 GMT

Supplies:

Empty cleaning wipe container
Yarn or string

Instructions:

1. Remove the lid from an empty cleaning wipe container. Place ball of yarn or string inside.
2. Thread end through the hole in the lid; use the container to store and keep cord from tangling.

More at source: Buzzfeed

Find Professional Carpet Cleaning Companies Here

Professional Carpet Cleaning Directory

IJCSA - — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 13:21:47 GMT

Alabama janitorial company paying $70,000 to end federal lawsuit

IJCSA - — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 14:13:48 GMT

A former Alabama corporation providing janitorial services for commercial businesses across the southeast agreed Thursday to pay a former employee $70,000 to settle a federal lawsuit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said.

According to the lawsuit filed by the EEOC in June 2013, Birmingham-based Rite Way Services, Inc. violated federal law when the company terminated an employee in retaliation for participating in an internal investigation concerning a co-worker's sexual harassment complaint. Mekeva Tennort, who was employed by Rite Way to perform janitorial duties at Biloxi High School in Mississippi, made a statement to supervisors who were investigating the complaint in August 2011....

More at source: Al.com

How often should you clean your toilet, your bed sheets, the fridge and your make-up bag?

IJCSA - — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 10:24:46 GMT

Toilets come with dirty reputations – but the average loo seat only has around
50 bacteria per square inch, which is less than most chopping boards. Aim to clean around the toilet bowl every day, and give your bathroom a proper clean once a week.

More at source: Mirror UK

New Orleans puts janitorial contract out for bid, adds in 'living wage' requirements

IJCSA - — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 12:34:32 GMT

The city’s existing deal with ETI was the most high-profile example of how the city was lagging behind on its promise to pay workers on most city contracts a "living wage" of at least $10.55 an hour and give them at least six paid days off each year.

The workers now employed on the contract make the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to clean City Hall, various courthouses, New Orleans Recreation Development Commission centers and New Orleans Police Department buildings.

More at source: The Advocate

California Law Aims to Protect Janitors from Harassment and Wage Theft

IJCSA - — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 11:34:38 GMT

The janitorial-services industry has drawn attention for its poor working conditions. Not only do janitors frequently work alone at night, they are vulnerable to sexual harassment and often fear retaliation for reporting harassers, according to a University of California, Berkeley, report.

Janitorial employers will soon have to register with the state labor commissioner, and the list of employers will be publicly available through a database.

Additionally, the new law directs the state to create a "sexual violence and harassment prevention training" program.

More at source: SHRM.org

These are the things in your home you should be spring cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:17:24 GMT

The spring cleaning tradition stems from a time when people spent months holed up in their homes, warmed by a fire, and then mercilessly opened their windows and freed themselves of dust and dirt.

The renewing feeling of spring endures. Becky Rapinchuk, founder of the lifestyle website Clean Mama, said people catch the cleaning bug around this time because the season helps them realize just how filthy their living arrangements are.

Like in times of old, the wear of winter is real and rank, no thanks to the furnace constantly kicking up dust. Adding to it, spring and summer's prominent sunlight reveals just how dirty we all are living.

More at source: USA Today

10 germ magnets that need spring cleaning

IJCSA - — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:00:28 GMT

The obvious germ factories are well-known: cutting boards, carpets, shoes, hands. But there are many seemingly innocuous sources that can make you very sick. Spring is the time to emerge from hibernation and rethink cleaning habits with an eye to health.

Fewer trips to the doctor mean fewer medications, which in turn mean more money in your pocket.

More at source: AOL

CA Janitorial Co Owner Enters Guilty Plea in Multi-Million Dollar Premium and Tax Fraud Case

IJCSA - — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 11:57:10 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced today that a grand jury has indicted the owners of Good Neighbor Services as well as six accomplices for a massive, ongoing insurance fraud and tax evasion scheme. Two defendants, Hyok "Steven" and Woo "Stephanie" Kwon, own a janitorial company that provides cleaning staff to major hotels across San Diego, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties, including The Hotel Del Coronado, Loews Coronado, La Costa Resort and Spa, The Grand Del Marin La Jolla, L'Auberge Del Mar, The Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Hilton and Hyatt hotel chains.

The Kwons have been indicted on 11 counts of workers' compensation premium fraud, 18 counts of payroll tax evasion and one count of extortion. The investigation uncovered a methodical and systematic shell game involving six straw owners. These straw owners were used to conceal the existence of hundreds of hotel workers to avoid paying millions of dollars in insurance premiums and payroll taxes. If convicted of all charges, they each face up to 31 years in prison.

More at source: WorkersCompensation.com

Green Since 2004

IJCSA - — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 13:57:37 GMT

International #Janitorial #Cleaning Services Association - #Green Cleaning Services https://t.co/nGfPv7NSpJ <-- Find #Local Service pic.twitter.com/dc8Qpl60uu
— IJCSA (@IJCSA) March 17, 2017

Executive Management Services to Pay $12,500 to Settle EEOC Sex Discrimination Lawsuit

IJCSA - — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 13:35:33 GMT

Cleaning Services Provider Refused to Hire Qualified Male for Janitor Job Because of His Gender, Federal Agency Charged

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Executive Management Services, Inc. (EMS), an Indiana-based corporation that provides commercial cleaning, facility management and other commercial services nationwide, has agreed to pay $12,500 to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced yesterday. The EEOC had charged that EMS violated federal law when it failed to hire a qualified male applicant because of his sex.

More at source: JDSUPRA Business Advisor

Cleaning O’Hare International Airport costs big money. 8 million in cost over runs.

IJCSA - — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 10:42:05 GMT

The 2012 city contract with United Maintenance was for $99.4 million, a payout that has since ballooned by nearly $8 million in 2017.

“United Maintenance came in and underbid the contract right off the start to get the work,” says Tom Balanoff, president of SEIU Local 1, the labor union that once represented O’Hare’s janitors. “And then they turned back on the city and said, ‘Okay, now we got the work — give us more money.’”

United Maintenance also came under fire in a 2015 federal lawsuit, filed by some O’Hare janitors accusing the firm of wage theft. The company settled the lawsuit last fall for $850,000 but admitted no wrongdoing.

Video at source: CBS

Make poison prevention part of your spring cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 13:01:42 GMT

While you’re clearing out the old and bringing in the new, take a moment to look around and check on the other things that you have stored in your house and garage.

Cleaning products and potentially hazardous materials should be kept in their original packaging with labels. If not, spring is an excellent time to label them and make sure everyone knows what’s there. A bottle without a label might be mistaken for the wrong thing. So, if you find something mysterious, label it or dispose of it.

More at source: Centre Daily

Home Cleaning & Hygiene Products That Germaphobes Swear By

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 12:08:34 GMT

I'll be the first to admit that I have more than a few "clean freak" habits. For instance, I almost always change my toothbrush after a long trip,

and I put the water bottle that I travel with in the dishwasher several times before I actually begin to use it again. After watching countless people wash their dishes with the same dirty one over and over again in hostels (and then leaving them in the stagnant sink water — yuck!),

More at source: Bustle.com

IJCSA - — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 14:20:13 GMT

The Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center board approved a contract Friday for maintenance and janitorial services.

The contract is with Mabel Largaespada Dean’s Services, which will provide janitorial services for $22 per hour per person, and maintenance/lawn care for $40 per hour per person. The board previously voted to seek out a contractor to handle those services after concerns that business manager Heather Cannell was devoting time to cleaning bathrooms and setting up tables that she should be spending on marketing the event center.

More at source: East Oregeonian

Professional cleaners flourish by word of mouth

IJCSA - — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 12:36:43 GMT

Two local cleaning services companies are seeing steady growth without advertising.

Elaine Meyers, president of Meyers Cleaning Service in Jenison, said her company’s services were in such high demand last year, they had to turn customers away.

“We had a lot of companies that actually called us,” she said. “We weren’t out beating anyone’s doors down. We get a lot of referral business from companies who want to make a change in their cleaning service.”

Meyers Cleaning, which offers commercial janitorial services, residential and commercial carpet and upholstery care, and cleaning of grouted tile and hard floors, saw West Michigan revenue of $1,259,000 in 2016 over $1,132,885 in 2015.

More at source: GRBJ

Janitorial workers sue New Orleans for failing to pay them a 'living wage' despite 2015 law

IJCSA - — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 13:05:53 GMT

More than a year after they expected New Orleans’ “living wage” law would give them a raise, workers who clean city buildings are suing Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s administration for, in their view, failing to abide by the law. United Labor Unions Local 100, which represents the 40 to 50 workers on the city's janitorial contract, filed suit Monday in Civil District Court alleging that the city owes them back pay for extending a contract with their employer without making it comply with a mandate in the law signed by Landrieu requiring them to be paid more.

More at source: New Orleans Advocate

Former cleaner alleges Tavares Janitorial Services misclassified his employment

IJCSA - — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 12:07:22 GMT

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that between 2010 and 2015, plaintiff was an employee and worked solely for Tavares Janitorial Services Inc. but was misclassified as an independent contractor. He alleges he worked for the defendant in excess of 40 hours within a work week and should be compensated at a rate of one-and-one-half times his regular hourly rate.

The plaintiff holds Tavares Janitorial Services Inc. and Tavares responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to pay overtime premiums for all the overtime hours, and showed reckless disregard for the provisions of the FLSA and Internal Revenue Code for not withholding taxes from the plaintiff’s earnings.

More at source: Florida Record

Janitorial Services Market Revenue Predicted to Grow by 2021

IJCSA - — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 13:53:31 GMT

More at source: Open PR

15 household items you really should be cleaning (but aren’t)

IJCSA - — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:12:34 GMT

You wash your dishes but what about the underside of your taps? The dish drainer? You’ll eat more safely when these things are clean.

1. Toothbrush holder

Sure, you disinfect your toothbrush on a regular basis, but have you ever thought about the holder? One study found it was the third most germ-infected place in the home. Start by rinsing the holder with hot water, then use a pipe cleaner to dislodge any grime and dried toothpaste from the holes. Fill the holder with antibacterial mouthwash, allow to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with hot water. Then leave to air dry before using again.

More at source: Domain.com

Find A House Cleaning Service Here

Don't Judge Me Because I Pay Someone To Clean My House

IJCSA - — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:44:39 GMT

Many millennials are still reluctant to use a housecleaning service themselves. It can be seen as a an unnecessary luxury, or something that’s easier to just do yourself. But there are some who swear by their regular house cleanings.

It can be easy to see why: With work weeks growing longer, it can be hard to find time to do a good deep clean yourself, even with the aid of modern appliances. “With two dogs and both of us traveling for work, we want to enjoy what little free time we get,” explains Hannah Bowers. A newlywed, Bowers found that many of her friends already employed a cleaning service of some kind. The thing she kept hearing? Having one is a “marriage saver.”

More at source: Refinery 29

Windsor city council outsources janitorial work during emotional meeting

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:56:00 GMT

Local labour leaders and concerned citizens clashed with Windsor city councillors in an emotional meeting Monday night as a motion to outsource janitorial and caretaking jobs at Huron Lodge Long-Term Care Home narrowly passed.

The decision to sign on with Aramark, an international services company which will take over janitorial duties at the city-run long-term care home, carried in a tight 6-5 vote despite pleas from citizens to keep the contracts local.

More at source: CBC

Find A Floor Cleaning Service Here

Global Industrial Floor Cleaner Market Driven by the Growing Janitorial Services Industry

IJCSA - — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:52:13 GMT

“The industrial scrubber segment dominates the global industrial floor cleaner market. These scrubbers are extensively used to clean oil or grease, floor marks, dust particles, and light debris. With the increase in the adoption of technology in cleaning practices, end-users prefer to use natural and eco-friendly products. As these products provide effective results without using chemicals, the market for industrial floor scrubbers is expected to be driven by the rising emphasis on chemical-free cleaning,” says Abhay Sinha, one of the lead analysts at Technavio.

More at source: Business Wire

The Rewards Of House Cleaning: Finding A Winning Lottery Ticket

IJCSA - — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 16:47:55 GMT

Joemel Panisa was cleaning out his house and found an envelope with a lottery ticket he had forgotten about.

It turned out to be a winner — he claimed a $1 million prize eight days before it expired.

More at source: NPR

Find A Cleaning Or Maid Service Here

How to Get the Most From Your Self-Cleaning Oven

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 13:14:53 GMT

Self-Clean Using High Heat
The cycle can take 90 minutes to 6 hours, using heat that's 800° F or higher. The door latches shut, ensuring that it can’t be opened while the oven is set to this high temperature. Smoke and a strong odor might occur as the heat breaks down the food soils, leaving ash that easily wipes away with a damp cloth.

“High temperature self-clean is still the most effective of the self-clean methods,” says Tara. "For most ranges with high-temp cleaning, you can choose from a few cleaning times, say from 3, 4, or 4 hours, depending on the level of soil in your oven.”

More at source: Consumer Reports

Duct cleaning: Is it worth it?

IJCSA - — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 12:03:21 GMT

The case against having your ducts cleaned: Here’s the thing: Dust that settles in your ventilation ducts typically stays there unless disturbed, and is usually harmless. The official advisory of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concludes: “Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle ... levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.

This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. ... Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to your health.

More at source: SF Gate

Find A Window Cleaning Service Here.

Find A Window Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 13:34:38 GMT

Family cleaning out Ohio home finds live hand grenade

IJCSA - — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:02:31 GMT

TOLEDO, Ohio — Holy Toledo!

A family cleaning the Toledo, Ohio-area home of a relative who recently died stumbled across a live hand grenade from the World War II era.

Toledo authorities say such finds are becoming more common.

A police spokesman says the bomb squad retrieves old military munitions about once a month.

But he says too often people who discover old grenades or a mortar shell will haul it to the police station.

Police say the best thing to do is call 911.

More at source: NY Daily News

Kansas City Public Schools janitors vote to join union

IJCSA - — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 12:26:59 GMT

Janitors who work in Kansas City Public Schools have voted to join a union.

The union vote came earlier this month, when 90 custodians elected to join the Service Employees International Union Local 1, which represents more than 300 workers in the district.

The custodians work for the Marcis & Associates janitorial services firm, which earlier this year won a $10 million, three-year contract with the school.

Union members had supported the district’s decision to give the contract to a new company, saying the previous firm did not recognize union workers and that schools had seen a decline in cleanliness amid understaffing.

More at source: KansasCity.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

IJCSA - — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 14:31:02 GMT

Wishing all of our Member Companies & their Loved Ones a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year 2017!!

As a good amount of you will be working over the holidays be safe on the roads and watch out for those that have been drinking. Safety first and make it back home for the holidays!

Newark contract dispute forces 41 layoffs, janitorial company says

IJCSA - — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 12:13:07 GMT

Newark- The janitorial company that cleans Newark City Hall and 43 other city buildings announced Wednesday layoffs for 41 employees amid an ongoing dispute with the city over its cleaning services contract.

USI provides cleaning services at city hall and 43 other city buildings, it says. (File photo)

United Services, Inc., which sued the city in July over what it called an unfair bidding process meant to push the company out, said all laid off employees are Newark residents.

Though the company has continued to clean city buildings, it alleges Newark has not paid for its services since June, prompting the layoffs.

More at source: NJ.com

Environmental Crimes Unit is cleaning up DC one illegal dump at a time

IJCSA - — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 12:09:44 GMT

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — The I-Team takes you into the rotting under belly of Washington.

Richard Everett who lives in the District tells the I-Team "It's bad. It's bad. Everywhere you go."

Patricia Howard-Chittams who’s part of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission says "The illegal dumping is a major issue in this area."

DC Police Department's Environmental Crime Unit is fighting back.

More at source: ABC

Janitorial worker accuses call center operators of sexual abuse

IJCSA - — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 17:18:05 GMT

CHARLESTON — A Kanawha County woman is suing call center operators, alleging hostile work environment and sexual abuse.

Jennifer S. Dozier filed a lawsuit Nov. 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court against CDI Corporation and Charles R. Parks II, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

According to the complaint, on Nov. 24, 2015, as a result Parks' inappropriate actions, Dozier felt ridiculed, intimidated and insulted. The suit says Dozier also has suffered emotional distress and damages for indignity, humiliation and was forced to cease working and seek other employment.

More at source: WV Record

Health Officials Recommend Flu Shot, Handwashing To Keep Germs At Bay

IJCSA - — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 13:27:51 GMT

It’s the season for giving — the cold and flu, that is.

Local health officials are offering advice and tips to those looking to stay healthy and away from the sneezing and coughing this holiday season.

The timing and severity of the flu, a contagious respiratory illness, can be unpredictable year-to-year. But it’s usually prevalent during the late stages of fall and winter months, according to health officials.

While the New York State Department of Health hasn’t deemed it severe flu season yet, Emelia Lindquist Harley, nursing director for UPMC Chautauqua WCA, said there have been reported cases. Lindquist said people of all ages should be getting the flu vaccine. Young children, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women are among those highly recommended to get a yearly flu shot.

More at source: Post Journal

Man dies of emotional distress after being forced to clean Walgreens bathroom, widow says

IJCSA - — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 16:01:09 GMT

For 20 minutes, Fernando was threatened and forced to clean and mop the bathroom before he was allowed to leave the store, his wife claims in the suit.

The incident caused Fernando to be “humiliated, disgraced and injured in his feelings, emotionally and mentally,” the lawsuit says.

The emotional distress caused by the situation was so severe that it “resulted in the death of Fernando,” the suit says.

“In all my years in the court system, this is new to me, never seen it,” said WFTV legal analyst Belvin Perry.

Perry said the claim for false imprisonment is a compelling one, but proving it led to the man’s death, which the lawsuit alleges, could be a stretch.

More at source: WFTV.com

SEIU local in bankruptcy after jury awards a $7.8 million judgment

IJCSA - — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:25:54 GMT

The Texas arm of the Service Employees International Union filed for bankruptcy this weekend after a jury found it responsible for a campaign to bully a holdout janitorial firm into accepting the union’s organizing terms.

The Texas branch of the Service Employees International Union, one of the nation’s largest unions, sought chapter 11 protection Saturday at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Corpus Christi, facing a $7.8 million judgment it cannot afford to pay.

More at source: Wall Street Journal

US Department Of Labor Fines Oregon Cleaning Company $70K

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:15:12 GMT

The U.S. Department of Labor has fined an Oregon cleaning company $70,000 for failing to pay employees the minimum wage and overtime.

Investigators found Stars Cleaning Service based in Beaverton paid its janitorial employees a fixed daily rate without regard to the number of hours they worked. The employees worked on average more than 12 hours a day, six days a week, investigators found.

Eugenia Galán Carrillo worked at Stars Cleaning Service and has accused owner Estela Ramos of harassing and intimidating the workers after the investigation began.

“The owner always threatened us,” she told OPB in an interview conducted in Spanish. “She would say to us that she would call immigration, or she always took money from our checks, threatening us all the time.”

More at source: OBP.org

5 Cleaning Hacks to Keep Your Home Looking Show-Ready 24/7

IJCSA - — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 14:29:58 GMT

When you’re selling your home, you must be ready for people to pop in at a moment’s notice. And no, it’s not like when your neighbor drops by to ask you to water her plants while she’s on vacation, and leaves in five minutes without noticing how many dishes are stacked in your sink or the layer of dust on your coffee table.

Nope, these people will scrutinize. And they will judge. But you’re still living in your home—how do you keep it clean enough to make a good impression, no matter the time or day?

More at source: Realtor.com

Get A Insurance Quote Here

This Is Why Your Janitorial Service Needs Bond Insurance

IJCSA - — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 13:33:21 GMT

1. The police were summoned by an auto dealer. A car was missing. The culprit? A janitorial service employee that had been cleaning up after-hours. Grabbing a set of keys that had been left in the drop off box, the crooked worker matched key to car and drove off. Eventually law enforcers discovered the abandoned car, severely damaged due to an auto collision.

2. Though the janitorial company that sent their cleaning lady to an attorney's office for after-hours cleanup never would have suspected her of thievery, when the woman found two unsealed packets of cash in an unsecured desk, she could not resist the temptation.

3. It was the very first day of employment for one nighttime custodian in a bank. Unfortunately, his actions made it his very last day as well. Robbing the institution's vault of fifteen thousand dollars in cash, the loss was a colossal one. The janitorial service that employed him was responsible for the losses and damages.
How does this type of specialized Insurance bond help a janitorial service along with its clients?

More at source: Tech Featured

Find A Insured Janitorial Service Here

Window-cleaning ban for Hong Kong’s domestic helpers will not keep them safe, campaigners say

IJCSA - — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 14:36:52 GMT

A recent ban on cleaning high-rise windows is not sufficient to protect Hong Kong’s domestic workers from exploitation, campaigners argue after a shocking photograph recently emerged of a helper cleaning a window at a 15th-floor apartment in the Mid-Levels.

The government this week revealed details of a new clause to be added to all domestic helper employment contracts, prohibiting them from cleaning external windows above the ground floor unless the window is fitted with a secure grille.

The ban, proposed by the Philippines Consulate, was initially delayed for one month to allow Hong Kong lawmakers more time to establish the specific wording of the new clause.

More at source: South China Morning Post

Find A Professional Window Washing Company Here

Poison alert: Cleaning product landed 2 North Jersey kids in the hospital this month

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 13:47:26 GMT

In North Jersey over just a four-week period, two kids in separate cases were hospitalized after ingesting an industrial cleaning product that was brought into the home by a family member.

Both children are expected to make a full recovery, but poison experts are urging parents to be more cautious about the products they bring indoors.

In each case, a commercial stove cleaner/degreaser was taken home by a family member who works in a restaurant, according to the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System. The product was transferred into a typical container, such as a water bottle, making it even more appealing to young eyes.

“Whenever we hear about a child who drinks or ingests an industrial strength cleaner, we get much more worried because we know it can have a very devastating effect,” said NJPIES Medical Director Dr. Diane Calello.

More at source: New Jersey 101.5

County changes janitorial service provider after customer service complaints

IJCSA - — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 15:12:15 GMT

EDWARDSVILLE — The County Board earlier this month awarded a new contract for janitorial services at some county buildings after the present service provider, Advanced Outsource Solutions, received multiple complaints in recent months.

At its Oct. 19 meeting, the Madison County Board voted to approve a contract with CR Systems in lieu of exercising an option to extend the current one-year contract with Alton-based Advanced Outsource Solutions, a subsidiary of Challenge Unlimited. The current contract pays $232,602; CR Systems submitted the low bid of $230,000 this time around, which includes providing janitorial services to the county’s administration building, courthouse and the Madison County Health Department building in Wood River, among others.

The county’s Buildings and Facilities Management Committee voted in September to not renew the contract with Advanced Outsource Solutions. On Tuesday, Madison County Administrator Joe Parente said multiple customer services issues were reported since the company began cleaning county buildings last year.

“Any time you change janitorial contracts, there’s a period of time, a transition period, and the staff attempted to work with the management during this transition period. They never were able to get things quite right,” Parente said. “It was basically customer service-type issues — things not being cleaned, lights being left on, just a wide variety.”

More at source: Advantage News

Thank You To Veterans

IJCSA - — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 13:43:21 GMT

What happens now that Donald Trump has won? The first 100 days of a Trump presidency

IJCSA - — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 15:51:07 GMT

Donald Trump has promised that as president he will honour the pledge stitched into his white and red baseball caps: Make America Great Again.

The former television entertainer’s campaign has been a roller coaster of triumphs and pitfalls, but his love for hyperbole has never wavered.

With him in the White House, Mr Trump has said, his supporters are going to "win so big" they will soon be "sick of winning".

More at source: Telegraph

Bedford school janitor vacuums art into rugs for kids

IJCSA - — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:25:13 GMT

Ron Munsey works at Peter Woodbury School and has started vacuuming designs into a carpet at the school.

Angie Perron Wyand sent WMUR some pictures of Munsey’s work.

"Every morning, the students and I come in to school and find some amazing design vacuumed into our carpet," said Wyand.

More at source: WMUR

BART janitor grossed $270K in pay and benefits last year

IJCSA - — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 11:14:30 GMT

Liang Zhao Zhang’s job is to clean up BART stations in downtown San Francisco and clean up he does: He swept in $162,000 in overtime pay last year, records show.

Call Zhang the super janitor, an extraordinarily high earner in a field where the beloved school custodian rarely brings home more than $50,000 a year.

Zhang grossed $235,000 in 2015, four times more than his base pay as a janitor. Benefits brought his total cost of employment at the rail agency to more than $270,000. And records show this isn’t the first time he raked in six-figure compensation at BART. Zhang received a combined $682,000 in pay and benefits over the last three years.

“Where do I sign up?” joked Lionel Hsu, a BART rider on Tuesday.

More at source: Mercury News

Pop! New soap molecule could disrupt multibillion dollar cleaning products industry!

IJCSA - — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:34:12 GMT

Not since we first watched Fight Club have we been as interested in soap as we are now. That’s in part thanks to research being carried out at the University of Minnesota — where scientists have created a new soap molecule that promises to be far more environmentally friendly than existing products made by the giant cleaning products industry.

“Our research team has invented a new soap molecule that is made from renewable resources and works in a broad range of conditions,” Paul Dauenhauer, associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science, told Digital Trends.

These “renewable resources” include natural products such as soybeans, coconut, and corn, compared with existing soaps that are made from fossil fuels. Such soaps are regularly mixed with harmful chemicals in order to produce shampoos, hand soaps, and detergents.

More at source: Digital Trends

Controversial Bristol company aims to make housecleaning fun with ‘model maids’

IJCSA - — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:19:14 GMT

A new cleaning service launched last week is called "My Model Maid," and it's exactly what it sounds like.

The company is a customized housecleaning service, and all of the "maids" are models, and willing to wear virtually whatever you'd like.

"You select the maid, her attire (French maid, schoolgirl, cheerleader, Wonder Woman or special requests ) and a time that’s convenient for you," the website advertises.

More at source: FOX

Find A Maid Service Here

Janitors who clean the Twin Cities' largest department stores finally unionize

IJCSA - — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:37:11 GMT

It took six years, a 12-day hunger strike, and an unrelenting series of downtown protests, but retail janitors in the Twin Cities have finally formed a union.

The 600 janitors who clean the Twin Cities’ shiniest department stores hail from dozens of countries. Many worked in isolation as employees of disconnected cleaning contractors who often took advantage of their immigration status to cut corners on wage laws.

More at source: Citypages.com

Find a Cleaning Service Here

Robotic cleaning: The next generation

IJCSA - — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:29:15 GMT

A 110-year-old cleaning equipment company has partnered with Carnegie Robotics to bring more intelligence to cleaning machines. Nilfisk, which is based in Denmark, announced a technology and innovation roadmap that includes robotic cleaners, but that's not all.

Anton Soerensen, Senior Vice President of R&D at Nilfisk, tells ZDNet, "The Horizon program is kind of a landing page for new innovation within autonomous cleaning, connected products, and intelligent cleaning methodologies. It's not only about autonomous cleaning, it's about the vision to change cleaning as we know it today."

More at source: ZDNET.com

Janitorial staff to replace inmates in Springdale

IJCSA - — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:55:59 GMT

SPRINGDALE -- Work release inmates will be replaced with janitors to work in the City Administration Building, a move prompted by alleged misbehavior.

"We're going to hire employees to take over that role of maintenance and janitorial services," Mayor Doug Sprouse said after Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The City Council voted approved spending $26,820 to hire janitors to work in the building at 201 Spring St., for the rest of the year. Arkansas Department of Corrections inmates housed at Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center in Springdale had been doing the work for more than 15 years, Melissa Reeves, public relations director for the city, said last week.

"We're looking to redistribute them to work somewhere else, possibly in another building," Reeves said. "It's part of an overall strategy to increase security in the administration building."

More at source: NWA Online

Thousands still without power, cleaning up after Hurricane Matthew

IJCSA - — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 15:04:24 GMT

Thousands of Floridians are still without power more three days after Hurrican Mathew skirted up the east coast with 100 mph winds and torrential rain.

Duke Energy and Florida Power and Light were reporting more than 75,000 customers without power across the state this morning. More than half of those were just in Volusia County — the hardest hit area in Central Florida.

Downed trees and power lines, along with localized flooding were a common sight throughout Central Florida. Communities closer to the coast also saw roof and building damage, along with severe beach erosion.

More at source: Orlando Sentinel

What’s in your home? Toxic chemicals found in everyday household cleaning products

IJCSA - — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 12:01:07 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Potentially dangerous chemicals can be found in every room in your home.

“Any products in your house are a poison,” explains IU Health Dr. Salvatore Migliore.

Dr. Migliore says it’s important we know air fresheners, cleaning products and even burning candles can all cause us harm, if we use them too often.

“The father of toxicology says the dose makes the poison. Therefore, anything that you actually use will be toxic if you take too much of it, get exposed to too much of it,” said Dr. Migliore.

According to a study by the Environmental Working Group, 53 percent of cleaning products under review contain lung-harming ingredients. Windshield wiper fluid, for example, contains methanol, which can cause blindness. Dryer sheets contain trace amounts of formaldehyde and benzene, which is a known carcinogen.

More at source: CBS

Oregon blacklists janitorial company for underpaying workers

IJCSA - — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:03:30 GMT

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A janitorial company has been permanently banned from Oregon government work after an investigation revealed widespread underpayment of workers.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries conducted the investigation which prompted a settlement between Cornerstone Janitorial and the state.

The company must pay $144,000 in damages to 46 workers as part of the deal. That's on top of nearly $200,000 in back wages collected by the bureau last year related to Cornerstone employees' work on 16 taxpayer-funded projects.

More at source: Herald Courier

Find a home cleaning service here.

Here's what housekeepers can tell about you when they're cleaning your house

IJCSA - — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:43:26 GMT

“The first hour in a client's home is like speed-dating,” says Angela Brown, founder of the Savvy Cleaner Training and Certification for House Cleaners & Maids. From stress levels to specifics about your sex life, a house cleaner can sniff out a myriad of telling things without actually snooping. It's basically a meet-and-greet in which both parties dig through a whole bunch of subtext.

More at source: Tech Insider

Woman alleges janitorial company's negligence caused her to fall on wet floor

IJCSA - — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 15:20:14 GMT

According to the claim, the plaintiff was caused personal injury on Oct. 6, 2015, when she was working at 2251 Lakeshore Building 3. The suit states that the premises had been cleaned by the defendant's employee, and that as the plaintiff stepped out of the elevator, she was caused to slip and fall on the wet floor. She alleges she injured her neck and re-injured her back in the fall.

The defendant is accused of negligence through failing to place signage to warn of the danger.

More at source: Louisiana Record

Gov. Brown signs law inspired by cases involving the rape of janitorial workers

IJCSA - — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:35:40 GMT

Legislation based on a national investigative report detailing cases involving the rape of women working late-night janitorial shifts was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jerry Brown of California.

The new law, Assembly Bill 1978, requires janitors and their supervisors to complete sexual harassment training beginning in 2019.

More at source: LA Times

Find A Cleaning & Janitorial Service Here

School Districts Deep Cleaning to Help Prevent Mumps

IJCSA - — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:15:56 GMT

From lawmakers to janitors, there is an all out effort to stop the spread of mumps in Northwest Arkansas.
Wednesday the State Health Department confirming 150 reported case of the mumps spanning across five school districts.

Parents have been concerned since the outbreak started two weeks ago about the safety of sending their kids to school, but districts are doing their part to make sure your kids aren't bring home more than homework.

"Water fountains are cleaned. Just everything," Custodian Wesley Hill said.

Mumps is a highly contagious virus.

"Can be spread through sneezing and coughing," Melissa Thomas, Director of Nursing Fayetteville Public Schools said.

So, stopping the spread of germs has become a high priority.

More at source: NWA Hompepage

Did union go too far in organizing janitors?

IJCSA - — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:11:04 GMT

A state court jury could decide as early as Tuesday whether an aggressive organizing campaign by the Service Employees International Union went too far when it accused a Houston cleaning company of systematic labor law violations, a verdict that could affect the tactics unions employ to sign up members and negotiate contracts.

The case, involving Professional Janitorial Service and the SEIU's efforts to organize the company's workers, pits what the union says are its constitutional rights to free speech against the company's claim that the union's unfounded charges that it broke the law drove clients away and cost it millions of dollars. The four-week trial, which ended Thursday with closing arguments, put the union's hardball tactics under a microscope and forced the SEIU for the first time to defend those methods in front of a jury.

More at source: Houston Chronicle

Sleazy Union Gets Owned by a Janitor Unwilling to Back Down: Jury Awards $5.3 Million

IJCSA - — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 12:40:50 GMT

He and three friends each plopped down a whopping $750 per person to start a cleaning company. Brent, the only partner in Houston, had a lot to learn. He hired five employees, who — along with his business partners — showed him how to make businesses shine.

“I’d get a new building and they’d come help me. I learned how to strip and wax the floors over the phone,” he said. “I thought I ruined the floor the first time I did. When you strip the wax off a vinyl floor, it changes color. Then when you put the wax back, the color comes back. But I didn’t know that.”

Their business grew to being the sixth largest janitorial contractor in Houston. But in 2006 they ran across a union group, Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

More at source: BrietBart.com

Target employee blames janitorial service for injuries

IJCSA - — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 13:24:00 GMT

HOUSTON — A Houston woman is suing janitorial services, alleging their negligence caused her to fall and sustain injuries.

Joyce Logan, a Target employee filed a lawsuit Aug. 9 in the Harris County District Court against Prestige Maintenance USA Ltd. and Prestige Maintenance USA, Janitorial Supply LLC, alleging negligence in failing to exercise ordinary care in maintaining its premises in a safe condition.

According to the complaint, Logan entered 8500 South Main in Houston for the purpose of her employment with Target Corporation. The suit says she was seriously injured when she slipped and fell due to mop water left unattended by defendant's employees.

The lawsuit states Logan sustained injuries, pain and suffering, loss of earnings and necessary medical care and expenses. The plaintiff alleges the defendants' employees negligently permitted the floor to remain in dangerous condition and failed to warn Logan of such danger.

More at source: Sextex Record

Janitorial staff at ASU holds 1-day strike

IJCSA - — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 11:43:10 GMT

More than 20 janitorial workers held a one-day strike on Thursday in protest of what they say are unfair pay and unsafe working conditions on Arizona State University's Tempe and downtown Phoenix campuses.

The workers are employed by Olympus, a cleaning company specializing in the maintenance of academic institutions that has had a contract with ASU since 2009.

Martin Hernandez, who works with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and helped organize the protest, said Olympus employees face unsafe conditions because of a lack of transportation between buildings on the sprawling Tempe campus.

More at source: AZ Central

Chemicals in household products 'increase the risk of lung damage

IJCSA - — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 17:41:01 GMT

Scrubbing the kitchen or bathroom clean is not most people's idea of fun.

But aside from being an unwelcome chore, it could also be wreaking havoc with your health, a study has found.

Chemicals used in sprays and detergents which get our worktops and basins shining have also been linked to lung damage.

Chemicals found in household cleaning products are damaging lung function by 14 per cent more than average over 20 years, a Norwegian study has found.

A Norwegian study found people who use household products are at greater risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - which includes the conditions chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

More at source: Daily UK

Janitorial service company says union tried to drive it out of business

IJCSA - — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 15:26:36 GMT

In 2003, the Service Employees International Union brought its Justice for Janitors organizing campaign to Houston, eventually signing up 5,300 workers employed by janitorial service companies and scoring the first labor organizing victory in Houston in 25 years.

It was the first toe-hold in the South for the nation's second largest union, but came only after a bitter fight that included demonstrations, boycotts, blocked traffic, and pressured pension fund investors.

More at source: Houston Chronicle

'T' Cleaners, Supporters to Protest Janitorial Job Cuts

IJCSA - — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:10:55 GMT

The janitors who clean the T and their supporters rally today against job cuts they say could leave the MBTA a mess. (SEIU)

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority plans to cut one-third of the workforce that cleans the "T" stations in the Boston area as part of a plan to balance its budget. But janitors and their supporters will be out in force on Monday to stand against the cutbacks.

Cambridge Vice Mayor Marc McGovern said he'll be among those at the protest. He said the MBTA is taking a wrongheaded approach by killing jobs when the move would have such a small impact on the agency's budget problems.

"You know, actually I think it's outrageous that the MBTA is trying to balance their budget on the backs of their lowest-paid workers,” McGovern said.

The MBTA said it is confident that cleanliness will not be affected by the plan to cut 90 janitorial positions on September 1st. But the pending cuts will impact MBTA workers' ability to pay their bills and provide for their children, McGovern said.

More at source: Public News Service

Find An Awesome Cleaning Service Here

BBB cautions consumers about cleaning services

IJCSA - — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:55:40 GMT

The St. Louis Better Business Bureau wants caution home and business owners to be aware of cleaning services.

BBB Regional Director Joey Keys says those hiring cleaning services have to remember that they are allowing somebody full access to their home. If they don’t know the cleaner or if the cleaning service hasn’t done a background check, consumers could be exposed to theft or property damage.

“If you aren’t around to supervise, you may not be able to tell how much work the cleaning crew actually did,” a BBB article says. “Give the cleaner a list of items or rooms to be cleaned and how expect it to be done.”

The article says to agree in advance on fees, and if the fee is hourly, be sure to agree on how many hours the service is to work.

More at source: The Southern

Business is booming for crime-scene cleaners

IJCSA - — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:38:40 GMT

Bill Muir was burning out as an operations manager for a beverage company and started looking for another career. When his brother-in-law used a handgun to kill himself, Muir decided to clean up his sister's place.

Her gratitude for his gesture of grit and kindness gave him an idea. Five months later, Muir became a crime-scene cleaner.

"I wanted to start helping people," he said one recent afternoon before fielding a call to clean up a homicide scene. "And seeing my sister's face after … I knew this is how I can help."

In starting Naperville-based Bio-One Chicago last year, Muir and his wife, Dawn, joined the ranks of a profession that blends the demeanors of a funeral home director and grief counselor with a construction contractor who has a strong stomach and intimate knowledge of biohazard disposal. It also is a largely unregulated profession experiencing steady growth, fueled by increasing fear of contamination and disease, and awareness that the services exist, experts say.

More at source: Chicago Tribune

Find A Biohazard Cleaning Service Her e

OSHA to Investigate “Unsafe” Conditions for Supermarket Janitors

IJCSA - — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 15:17:53 GMT

OSHA will look into complaints that some janitorial workers in the Bay State are being required to carry propane to and from work in their personal vehicles.

BOSTON -- An investigation into the grocery business in Massachusetts uncovered...

More at source: Public News Service

Youth sports league founder opens cleaning business in Danbury

IJCSA - — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:48:29 GMT

Know your competition.

DANBURY — Chris Morris has just opened a residential cleaning business, The Cleaning Authority, in Danbury, Conn. Tuesday, August 9, 2016.Words of advice from his grandfather helped lead Chris Morris down the road of entrepreneurship after he was laid off from his job in the financial services sector.

“Do a job that no one wants and do it with excellence and you’ll always have work,” Morris recalled his grandfather saying.

Morris last week opened a franchise of The Cleaning Authority, a residential cleaning service with more than 200 locations in the U.S. His 20-year career in financial services included roles with Master Card, American Express and Merrill Lynch.

“I was downsized and as I weighed my options I really wanted to be my own boss and not subject to the corporate whims of downsizing,” Morris said. “The cleaning business is not one I thought I’d pursue, but then I remembered what my grandfather said.”

Remaining in Danbury after losing his job was important to Morris as he has two children at Immaculate High School. He also wants to re-establish Western Connecticut Youth Sports, a nonprofit organization that offers sports instruction in a noncompetitive setting. He established the program in 2012 and it reached a peak of 200 coaches and players before not having a season in 2016 because of the uncertainty with his job situation.

More at source: News Times

School janitors are to walk out in a five-day strike from the first day of the new school term.

IJCSA - — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 17:09:17 GMT

Justice 4 Jannies! "We are sure that parents will understand that it would be wrong for this unfairness to continue.

"Cordia has spent thousands of pounds every month since January 2016 trying to undermine our official boycott of the duties through the use of non-trade union replacement workers.

"They would be better getting round the table and sorting out our legitimate claim.”

Industrial action was first taken on January 19 when staff boycotted weeding, litter picking, snow clearing, salt spreading, leaf clearing, heavy lifting, spillage clearing and animal clearing.

The janitors began industrial action on 19 January 2016 by boycotting weeding, litter picking, snow clearing, salt spreading, leaf clearing, heavy lifting, spillage clearing and animal clearing.

Schools cleaners, catering staff, education support workers, teachers and headteachers were advised by their trade unions not to undertake the duties janitors are boycotting.

Since March, the janitors have taken nineteen days of strike action in an escalation of the dispute.

More at source: Herald Scotland

San Francisco janitors reach contract deal, avoiding strike

IJCSA - — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:45:52 GMT

Janitors wait outside of San Francisco’s city hall amid contract negotiations with their union representatives and cleaning companies that employ them on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. The workers received a pay raise, union officials said.

More at source: SF Gate

Janitors block downtown SF traffic in contract protest, get arrested

IJCSA - — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:19:35 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - About one hundred of janitors from Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 87 are taking part in a march and rally in San Francisco Thursday to call on tech companies to give them a fair contract.

Around 5:37 p.m. San Francisco Police were seen by Sky Fox making arrests of protesters and had vans to place those arrested inside.

More at source: KTVU

Airport janitorial work will be done in-house

IJCSA - — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 11:37:56 GMT

“It was the best way we could control it,” commission Chairman Cedric Johnson said. The cleaning crew “will probably have more pride, knowing they work for the airport.”

The transition will take several months and contracted staff will have the opportunity to apply for the new jobs, Johnson said.

The program has a budget of approximately $300,000 for labor, equipment and supplies, airport Executive Director Herbert Judon said.

More at source: Augusta Chronicle

The 9 Common Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 14:37:46 GMT

1. DON’T mix ammonia with bleach.

“The combination of these two cleaners could be lethal, so be very careful when mixing any cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach.”

2. DON’T scrub your carpets, but blot them instead.

“You could damage the carpet by scrubbing too hard, and a gentle blot will do the trick!”

3. DON’T wash windows in a circular motion.

“Instead, move the paper towels back and forth horizontally, and then vertically. Wiping in little circles is more likely to leave streaks. Speaking of washing windows, DON’T do it on a hot, sunny day. The heat will dry the cleaner too quickly, leaving streaks. It’s much easier to get clean windows on a cool day.”

More at source: People.com

Find a BioHazard Cleaning Service Here

The lucrative business of cleaning crime scenes

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:51:02 GMT

Despite a drop in violent crime across the United States, the crime-scene cleanup industry has boomed. Profits for the nearly 600 firms in the United States totaled more than $99 million in 2015, on revenues of $357.5 million, according to IBISWorld, a market research group. But those profits are sometimes reaped from those who can ill afford costs that may run into the tens of thousands of dollars when insurers do not pay.

More at source: Philly.com

Waco to privatize janitorial service in upcoming budget

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 17:17:13 GMT

The city of Waco is considering replacing its janitorial staff with private contractors in an effort to save $294,000 a year.

City staff and three council members discussed privatizing the service at a budget and audit committee meeting Tuesday, three days before City Manager Dale Fisseler releases his preliminary budget for 2016-17.

If the council agrees, the city would bid out the janitorial services now performed by 22 full-time and three part-time employees, reducing janitorial costs from $950,000 to an estimated $656,000 a year. Current employees earn between $9.94 and $14.10 per hour, plus benefits for full-time workers.

City general services director Kelly Holecek told the council committee that a contractor could do the work with fewer employees and could eliminate the missed cleanings that occur when staff are sick.

Fisseler said the city already relies on contractors to clean the police headquarters at the Hillcrest Tower, and that arrangement has worked well.

Councilman Jim Holmes said outsourcing the service “makes sense.”

“With this savings, it’s almost a no-brainer,” Holmes said.

More at source: Waco Trib

4 incredibly smart reasons to make your own cleaning products

IJCSA - — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:02:47 GMT

It's cheaper

One of the best reasons to DIY your own cleaning products is to save money. Who doesn't love that?! In fact, most DIY cleaners cost less than $1 to make. Compare that to $5-$15 per bottle for most store-bought products, and you'll quickly find that you really can't afford to not make your own cleaning products.

To get started, stock up on these essentials:

white vinegar (buy a gallon to save even more money)
liquid castile soap
baking soda
rubbing alcohol

More at the source: Today Home

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers free course on Learning Your Customer

IJCSA - — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 16:27:36 GMT

Understanding Your Customer -

Knowing your customer is a vital part of effectively selling your product or service. This course will introduce you to tools and resources that will help you understand your customer and increase sales.

Duration: 00:30:00

Take The Course Here.

Find A Cleaning Service Here.

Historic Justice for Janitors campaign inspires a new generation of janitorial organizing

IJCSA - — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:38:41 GMT

Workers packed into the crowded Logan International Airport in Boston on Wednesday, June 15, where SEIU Local 32BJ brought together a large swathe of minimum-wage employees who often go unseen to hurried travelers. Baggage handlers, cabin cleaning staff and others who go through contracting companies were rallying together under an organizing banner with a history of struggle dating back 30 years.

While the Fight for $15 raises headlines and wages across the United States, June 15 saw a national day of action in cities around the country for the annual anniversary of the Justice for Janitors campaign. For SEIU Local 32BJ, which handles 155,000 property service workers along the East Coast from New Hampshire to Florida, this was a chance to reclaim the history of a campaign that did the unthinkable in the early 1990s.

“It has become a symbol for how labor unions and workers, working together and exercising their power, can establish standards in all sorts of industries,” said Eugenio Villasante, regional communications manager for SEIU Local 32BJ.

More at source: Waging NonViolence

Audit finds waste in City of Toronto cleaning services

IJCSA - — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 16:03:28 GMT

City of Toronto cleaning services are flushing hundreds of thousands of dollars down the drain every year, according to auditor general Beverly Romeo-Beehler. Two audits of the cleaning services with Toronto’s facilities management department, and oversight of work done by contract cleaners, uncovered the costly waste. The city spent $30.5 million to clean 265 facilities last year, including $8.3 paid to contracted cleaners. The facilities have a total gross floor area of more than 10 million square feet.

More at source: Toronto Star

How To Make Money From Facebook

IJCSA - — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 10:52:07 GMT

Read The Article Here

Janitors' protest turns into celebration outside Best Buy shareholders meeting

IJCSA - — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:06:33 GMT

Janitors speak outside Best Buy's headquarters Tuesday morning, a day after the retailer agreed to hire a "responsible" contractor for cleaning services in its Twin Cities area locations.

A planned protest outside of Best Buy Inc.’s shareholders meeting Tuesday morning turned into a small celebration after the janitors who clean its stores reached an agreement with the Richfield-based electronics retailer to use a “responsible” contractor.

Best Buy made the pledge Monday night to Service Employees International Union Local 26 (SEIU), which has pressed for better conditions, including the right to organize, for janitors who work at Twin Cities Best Buy stores.

Details are still to be hashed out, but the janitors’ allies likened it to a similar agreement reached with Minneapolis-based Target Corp. in June 2014.

More at source: Star Tribune

Janitor contract talks to resume at Tufts University

IJCSA - — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:42:37 GMT

More than two dozen Tufts University janitors bowed their heads around a mop and bucket in front of the Saint Clement Parish alter during a prayer service Monday night.

During the service, the custodial staff received the blessings of Boston Archdiocese the Rev. James Flavin to resume their contract negotiations with Tuft’s contracted janitorial service provider — which have been on hold since a car fire and bomb threats rocked the university’s campus, May 9.

Flavin read scriptures from the bible describing the importance of laborers. Then janitors, union members and Somerville and Medford politicians in attendance placed white flowers into a pair of glass vases on the alter.

“We want to be clear that we do our work, we are working men and women and working families but we respect the university, we respect the students, we respect the president. We want to bargain in peace,” Paula Castillo, a Tufts dormitory housekeeper said through a translator. “We have all due respect for the president of the university and we hope that he would be respectful towards us as his workers and also towards the students.”

More at source: Sommerville Local

The Window Guy’ Celebrates 30 Years

IJCSA - — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 11:31:20 GMT

George Allaria, owner of Bob’s Janitorial Services, said his business’s name is somewhat of a misnomer.

“It’s Bob’s Janitorial but my name’s George and we don’t do janitorial,” he said.

When Allaria bought the business in 1986, its name was already established in the community.

“It was pretty well known so I decided to keep it,” he said.

In recent years, he said he’s been trying to transition to The Window Guy, because that’s what most people call him when he shows up for a job.

“When I walk into my accounts, (they) say, ‘The window guy’s here,’” he said.

Allaria is celebrating his 30th anniversary of being in business this month, but at 60, he is thinking about retirement.

More at source: The Chronicle

Find A Janitorial service here.

Town saves roughly 60K on janitorial services.

IJCSA - — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 15:05:34 GMT

KILLINGLY – A new municipal building cleaning contract recently finalized by Killingly officials is expected to save the town tens of thousands of dollars annually, while also consolidating a former patchwork of services.

Town officials last month hired Brooklyn-based Crystal Clear Services LLC to handle the cleaning of Town Hall, the public library and the community center, buildings that were previously cleaned by a combination of private contractors and town employees.

“Up to now, Jani-Tech Cleaning Systems did the library, while Town Hall was cleaned by a municipal worker and the community center work was split between the two,” Finance Director Mary Calorio said. “By bidding out all the work, we expect to save $60,000 a year.”

Crystal Clear, one of four companies to bid on the three-year contract and conduct walk-throughs of the three town buildings, will be paid $28,340 a year and begin work July 1.

“That date coincides with the retirement of our town worker, who’s leaving after 40 years on June 30,” Calorio said. “So we looked at this as an opportunity to revisit our current system and try to find some economy of scale.”

Calorio said the new company will be doing the bulk of the cleaning work at night – a change from the old schedule which Recreation Director Tracy Mason, whose department works out of the Broad Street community center, was pleased with.

More at source: Norwich Bulletin

Safety Alert: Guard against hantavirus when doing spring cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 17:17:09 GMT

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Health Department is reminding people to protect themselves against hantavirus disease while doing spring cleaning.

The viral infection causes severe lung disease and can be fatal. It's spread by infected rodents in their urine, droppings and saliva. The deer mouse is the primary carrier.

Epidemiologist Michelle Feist (fyst) says people should be careful when cleaning cabins, sheds and other buildings that have been closed up for a while and might have housed rodents. Tips include ventilating the area, wearing gloves and using disinfectant.

Fourteen hantavirus cases have been reported to the state Health Department since 1993, when the virus was first recognized in the U.S. Seven of those cases were fatal.

More at source: Bismark Tribune.

Weak U.S. employment report dims prospect of Fed rate hike

IJCSA - — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 16:18:20 GMT

The U.S. economy created the fewest number of jobs in more than 5-1/2-years in May as manufacturing and construction employment fell sharply, suggesting slippage in the labor market that could make it harder for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by only 38,000 jobs last month, the smallest gain since September 2010, the Labor Department said on Friday. Employment gains were also restrained by a month-long strike by Verizon workers, which depressed information sector payrolls by 34,000 jobs.

More at source: Reuters

in Observance of Memorial Day - Office Closed Today

IJCSA - — Mon, 30 May 2016 11:38:53 GMT

Janitorial College Program

IJCSA - — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:30:38 GMT

Vautour said he never could have afforded a college education for five children on his salary of $60,000 a year. His wife, Debra, was a homemaker who now works the front desk at the Waltham Senior Center.

But because Vautour is a BC employee, all five children were able to attend the college tuition-free, which knocked about $51,000 off of BC’s $66,000 annual price tag. After scholarships, Vautour said, each child’s college education cost him about $3,000 per year.

Knowing that five college degrees were in reach kept him going, he said, night after night and year after year.

“It gave me a reason to be here,” Vautour said. “I used to joke with the vice president that I’d actually work for nothing because my kids are here because of that perk. I could care less if they even gave me a raise because my kids came here.

More at source: Boston Globe

Discuss This Article Here.

Hatboro man accuses janitorial company of constructive termination

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 May 2016 13:10:52 GMT

PHILADELPHIA — A field operations manager is suing ABM Janitorial Services, a former employer, citing alleged violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act and violation of wage laws.

Martin Campfield of Hatboro filed a complaint on April 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against ABM Janitorial Services alleging that the former employer violated the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that starting in July 2014, he routinely worked from 50-60 hours per week but he did not receive any compensation for worked performed in excess of 40 hours per workweek. On February 24, 2015, his wife fell into coma, according to the suit, which adds that due to his wife's health conditions, he was required to take some days off. He was transferred to a location about 1.5 hours from his home, was compensated at a reduced rate of pay and was not allowed to use a company service vehicle, the suit says, adding that he was forced to reject the new offer, and as such, his employment was terminated.

The plaintiff holds ABM Janitorial Services responsible because the defendant allegedly misclassified him as an exempt employee, failed to pay him overtime premium, interfered with right to protected family leave and constructively terminated his employment in retaliation for exercising his rights.

More at source: Penn Record

Hartford Board Grapples With Budget Gap on Janitorial Services

IJCSA - — Mon, 16 May 2016 11:11:17 GMT

Hartford — A puzzling financial oversight has left a gap in the municipal budget, town officials have learned.

Hartford’s municipal Town Hall, which was the subject of a major $4.2 million renovation project completed last summer, typically is cleaned twice weekly by a contractor who provides janitorial services.

The contract is for about $30,000 each year, but interim Town Manager Pat MacQueen told the Selectboard during an April 26 meeting that the fiscal year 2016 budget did not fully fund that line item, for reasons unknown.

“The finance director and I have been scratching our heads over the janitorial budget for Town Hall,” MacQueen told the Selectboard. “This year’s budget includes about $14,700, which is about half of what was budgeted last year, and what was budgeted for next year.”

MacQueen told the Selectboard the cleaning service would be paid with money from other line item

More at source: V News

5 Life Lessons Everyone Learns While Spring Cleaning

IJCSA - — Wed, 11 May 2016 11:50:10 GMT

1-Everyone is a mess, even if it’s hidden.

2-Tiny things are important to people.

More at source: Elite Daily

Outsourced Vs. In House Janitorial Services

IJCSA - — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 15:29:30 GMT

Outsourced Vs. In House Janitorial Services

If you own a business, you understand the importance of budgeting your operational and overhead costs wisely. While you understand the importance of maintaining your office or industrial building, you are not sure whether outsourcing or hiring in-house janitorial services is a better choice to keep your expenses low and your office sparkling. While the quality of services offered is always a concern, there are several other factors that should be considered to determine whether outsourcing or in-house janitorial services is best. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each and determine which method is most beneficial to your company’s bottom line.

In house custodial staff consists janitors that are directly employed by the company. Because they are part of the workforce, your company will be responsible for performing background checks to ensure that the candidate is qualified and trustworthy. Janitors have access to sensitive information and the personal belongings of your employees.....

More at source: The Sequitor

VIDEO: 9 Green Cleaning Tips - Green Cleaning Tips & Tricks

IJCSA - — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 23:43:36 GMT

Howdini hacks are back, just in time for spring cleaning, with 9 green cleaning tips for a clean house using eco-friendly products! You don't need all the chemicals for a neat result, just a few common environmentally friendly products that you already own.

Tennant is exploring unmanned cleaning robots, CEO says

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 14:11:13 GMT

Watch out, Roomba - a new class of robotic cleaning machine might be headed to the top of the food chain.

Tennant Co. CEO and President Chris Killingstad says the Golden Valley-based manufacturer of floor scrubbers, sweepers and vacuums is "exploring autonomous navigation technology" to cut labor costs for customers.

Tennant is exploring technology to let its floor cleaners operate autonomously.

NYGAARD PHOTOGRAPHY

He described Tennant's (NYSE: TNC) robotics efforts as a "longer-term proposition" that could let the company's cleaning machines operate without a human at the controls.

More at source: Biz Journals

Janitorial staff talk needs and goals for new labor contract

IJCSA - — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 12:09:13 GMT

Five janitorial staff members who work in Stanford’s academic center shared their needs and goals for their new labor contract with at least 40 students in a forum at the Markaz on April 14. The staff raised three key issues: wages, cost of living and medical benefits.

The worker’s forum was the latest joint effort by the SEIU United Service Workers West (USWW) union and Stanford’s Student And Labor Alliance (SALA) to win more favorable terms for Bay Area custodial staff in ongoing contract renegotiations. The negotiation process will culminate in a contract on April 30, which the union will vote on collectively.

While Stanford has expressed interest in working with contractor C&W to grant campus custodial staff extra benefits, workers remain concerned about health insurance and wages amid soaring rental costs in the area. Other workers in the SEIU USWW union who work for corporate organizations may also face a more hostile renegotiation process.

More at source: Stanford Daily

Man finds old bazooka rocket while cleaning home

IJCSA - — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 12:49:36 GMT

Routine house cleaning, maintenance, cleaning an old shelf in the basement that had been there forever, I looked up and it had a false top, a top that no one's ever noticed. I saw the old motor sitting up there in the rafters," Thomas explained.

Thomas says he was quite surprised, and has no idea where the World War II-era explosive came from.

"Obviously curious, cautious, concerned, and so I thought about it for a little bit and looked at it," Thomas said.

Thomas comes from a military background, so he says he felt comfortable enough transporting it to the police department. That's when the authorities took over.

"Our officers were sent in to assess the situation, they looked at it and determined that it was a military ordinance appeared to be a rocket propelled grenade," said Steven Klein, assistant chief of the Fond du Lac Police Department.

More at source: ABC

Environmental Group’s Updated Study Exposes Home Toxic Cleaning Products

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 11:17:16 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — The cleaning products in your home may contain hidden hazardous ingredients, according to the Environmental Working Group latest analysis.

EWG studied thousands of product labels, images and company webpages.

Their latest analysis is critical of the cleaning product industry, citing concerning ingredients in many products and an overall lack of transparency on product labels.

More at source: CBS

Will Robots Be Cleaning Our Offices in The Future?

IJCSA - — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 16:57:32 GMT

A robot revolution has been the stuff of movie and literary fiction for a long time. Often times, depictions of that revolution are gory and end when the last humans are whipped out by the machine.

In reality, the robot revolution is turning out to be a lot friendlier and pretty helpful, too. Imagine Rosie the robot maid in the 60s Hanna-Barbera cartoon “The Jetsons” working in your office.

The multi-surface ECOVACS Deebot D63S is a robot as benign as they come, whose only objective is to keep your floors clean.

What The ECOVACS Deebot D63S Can Do

The Deebot D63S is essentially an intelligent vacuum cleaner with four cleaning modes to tackle the different surface of your home.

The Deebot D63S can be controlled from the LCD panel on the unit or a remote control and can be scheduled to automatically start cleaning your floors as soon as you leave your office or home.

The vacuum starts cleaning once it decouples itself from the charging station. The robot then proceeds to clean your hardwood, carpet, and ceramic floor at only 60 decibels, which is the same level of noise as a normal conversation at three feet.

A specially designed agitator brush with a double helix bristle pattern lift dust and dirt from bare-floors and carpet while the vacuum places the dirt into the dustbin and filter. The Deebot cleans the various surfaces with equal efficiency using its four cleaning modes

AUTO – everyday vacuuming
INTENSIVE – deeper cleaning
EDGE – cleaning along baseboards
SPOT – specific area cleaning

More at source: Small Biz Trends

Alabama janitor fighting terminal cancer nominated for national award

IJCSA - — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:18:18 GMT

MOUTAIN BROOK, Ala. (WIAT) — Superstar is the word teachers, students and parents use to describe their janitor at a Mountain Brook elementary school.

Suffering from cancer, he sends a message of hope through his passion that he pours into work.

Jerome Lewis shines up the building at Crestline Elementary School. Every day at 8 a.m., he shows up to work with keys and a smile. A breath of fresh air when the day stinks is how one student describes him.

Jerome greets each of them by name and goes out of his way to show he cares.

“He’ll come over to me and be like, ‘hey kid, what’s up?’” said Lillie Wright, 6th grader at Crestline Elementary School. Wright said that he makes everyone feel good about themselves.

More at source: WNCN

Workers, firms differ on $15 minimum wage

IJCSA - — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 18:51:33 GMT

A plan to increase California’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022 has opened the biggest fault lines yet between advocates of higher pay and critics who say it kills jobs and raises prices for consumers.

Proponents say the Golden State’s bold move will provide a decent living wage for millions of low-income residents, prove a bonanza for California’s economy and prompt other states to follow.

“They’re showing that it’s economically realistic to restore decent wages at the bottom” of the pay scale, says Paul Sonn, general counsel of the National Employment Project.

But opponents say it will force employers to replace workers with technology and sow particular hardship in a diverse California economy that includes many rural and distressed areas whose businesses can’t afford such a lofty base wage.

“We’ll have a lot of businesses close,” says Michael Saltsman, research director for the Employment Policies Institute, which is partly funded by the restaurant industry.

Under the plan, the state’s minimum wage would rise from $10 to $10.50 in 2017 and increase gradually each year through 2022. Sonn says $15 an hour – or about $30,000 a year -- would simply allow families to afford the basics.

More at source: USAtoday

Happy Easter From IJCSA!

IJCSA - — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 12:29:03 GMT

Ukrainian brothers sentenced to 20 years in janitorial slavery plot - Janitor Slaves

IJCSA - — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 15:26:43 GMT

Likening their misdeeds to war crimes, a federal judge sentenced two Ukrainian brothers to 20 years in prison Thursday for their roles in a modern-day slavery operation in Port Richmond, in which victims were beaten, kidnapped, raped, and terrorized to keep them working in janitorial jobs for little to no pay.

Mykhaylo Botsvynyuk, 37, and Yaroslav Churuk, 48, said nothing and showed little reaction as District Judge Paul S. Diamond handed down their punishment, more than four years above the maximum term outlined by federal sentencing guidelines.

"In the 12 years I have been doing this job, these are perhaps the worst crimes I have ever seen," the judge said. "You sought to destroy these people by using them almost to death. The evidence in this case hearkens back to war crimes tribunals in demonstrating just how cruel and abhorrent people's conduct can be."

Three of the victims sat in the courtroom's front row, struggling to hide their deep emotional scars. Even a decade removed from their time spent working seven days a week, sleeping five or more to a room in a dirty Port Richmond apartment, and living in fear that any attempt at escape would be met with violent retribution, one rubbed his eyes red.

Another woman's weeping began the moment the judge took the bench.

"We didn't receive any money. We were half-starving. We were tired," said one former worker, whose name was withheld, as he testified through a Ukrainian interpreter. Of his captors, he added, "They didn't have anyth

Another woman's weeping began the moment the judge took the bench.

More at source: Philly.com

Find A Green Cleaning Service

Art Museums Seek a Green Palette - Going Green!

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:50:29 GMT

Art Museums Going Green!

In late 2009, Lawrence Rinder, director of the University of California, Berkeley, Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, stood alone and despondent in an abandoned building recently inhabited by squatters.

The building, a relic from the Works Project Administration and once home to a printing press, had been slated for demolition, to be replaced by a new home for the museum, designed by the Japanese architect.

Then, in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, budget constraints led the museum to abandon the construction project.

But as Mr. Rinder stood amid the squalor, sun pouring through the skylights, he had an epiphany. “I did a double take,” he said. “I looked around and thought, this has the bones of a really fine museum, and more specifically, one that would suit our particular needs.”

Soon, plans were underway to salvage the building and refashion it as the museum’s new home.

More at source: New York Times

Window Cleaning Services Cited After Fatal Fall

IJCSA - — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 19:16:57 GMT

The 2015 death of a 20-year-old Oshkosh man who fell five stories from a senior-living facility prompted a federal inspection that has resulted in citations for a local window cleaning service.

According to a press release, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Serwas Window Cleaning Services LLC, for one willful and eight serious safety citations. Inspectors conducted three separate investigations of worksites in Appleton, Green Bay, and Oshkosh.

Tyler Peterson (Photo: Courtesy of Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home)

Tyler S. Peterson fell from a platform Wednesday, Sept. 9, while washing windows on the fifth floor of Bella Vista Retirement Community,

More at source: Northwestern

Find A Window Washing Service Here

Deal raises wages of Twin Cities janitors by 12% over four years

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 14:33:14 GMT

A deal reached early Monday averted a second walkout and will be voted on this weekend.

Janitors and Twin Cities employers have reached a tentative contract agreement that would raise wages 12.3 percent over four years, union officials said.

The deal was reached shortly after 1 a.m. Monday and averted a second walkout after a one-day strike by janitors last month.

Janitors will vote this weekend on the pact, which has the recommendation of the union's bargaining committee, said Josh Keller, spokesman for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26.

More at source: Star Tribune

What one janitorial startup is doing to avoid rape on the night shift

IJCSA - — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 18:27:13 GMT

This story updates our Rape on the Night Shift investigation.

Simon Brooks was broke and homeless after his idea for a Scrabble-like app failed. He kept sticking around the startup accelerator where he’d been working and eventually found his next idea.

The accelerator wanted him to clean the bathroom. At first, he was offended. But then he looked into it, and, as Brooks recently told San Jose Inside, he found an industry built on low wages and workplace abuse.

Brooks’ company, Squiffy Clean, is paying higher wages and offering equity to his first 25 cleaners. It’s also sending workers out in teams to prevent sexual abuse.

“We go out in a group,” he told San Jose Inside. “Safety in numbers. We want to do better by our people.”

Brooks credits our investigation into the sexual abuse of night shift janitors, Rape on the Night Shift, for his decision. The investigation uncovered serious sexual abuse in the janitorial industry and the failure of companies large and small to prevent it. It was a collaboration between Reveal, the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley, KQED, FRONTLINE and Univision.

More at source: Reveal News

Consumers Demand To Know What Is In Cleaning Products

IJCSA - — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:57:00 GMT

Most of us are used to finding lists of ingredients on food, medicine, even cosmetics, but you might not realize there is no requirement to list all of the ingredients on the labels of cleaning products.

Many of those products are a part of daily life, used to clean our homes, workplaces, and schools. A lot of cleaning products carry legally required warning labels about poison or eye or skin irritation, but most do not list all ingredients on the label.

More at source: ABC

SALA backs janitorial workers’ union for contract negotiations

IJCSA - — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 12:20:01 GMT

With Stanford’s janitorial workers’ regional contract up for renegotiation this April, the Stanford Student and Labor Alliance (SALA) held an open meeting for new members last Sunday to rally support for the SEIU Local 1877 workers’ union. More than 40 people packed into the Asian American Activities Center to discuss upcoming actions for the janitorial staff in academic buildings.

According to Cenobio Hernandez ‘18, one of SALA’s three leaders, the workers’ union has taken the lead in the drive to seek a contract more favorable for workers, while SALA and other Stanford students are playing a supporting role. According to a questionnaire done by the workers’ union, some of the largest concerns of the workers include wages, job security and workplace harassment — particularly sexual harassment.

Since workers are contractually forbidden to strike on campus, a large part of student and faculty support will be shown through rallies and petitions.

“In the past, the administration has been able to use students as an excuse, saying that students want academic buildings to be open longer, so workers’ hours have to be changed,” Hernandez said. “Our voice has been used in a way that dismisses workers’ positions, so we need to show that we are with the workers.”

More at source: Stanford Daily

Janitors walk off from cleaning Twin Cities offices Wednesday, pressing cleaning firms for higher pay

IJCSA - — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 11:38:52 GMT

Hundreds of janitors staged demonstrations at the airport, other major employers in metro area in 24-hour strike.

Janitors across the Twin Cities metro area walked off the job and took to the streets Wednesday in the midst of tense negotiations with cleaning companies over wages and working conditions.

The 24-hour strike was the first by subcontracted union janitors in the Twin Cities in decades, according to Local 26 of the Service Employees International Union, which represents roughly 4,000 janitors in the metropolitan area.

More at source: Star Tribune

Find A Green Cleaning Service Here.

28 ways to use vinegar around your house

IJCSA - — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:42:00 GMT

Window cleaner

Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water. Apply to windows with a sponge. Wipe clean using a squeegee. (Remember to wet the squeegee blade first so it won't skip.)

Blinds

To clean washable blinds, mix 1 cup ammonia, ½ cup white distilled vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 gallon of warm water. Using a sponge or cloth, wipe blinds with mixture. Rinse with clear water.

Automatic coffee makers

To dissolve minerals and oily build-up, fill the reservoir with white distilled vinegar and run the coffee maker through a brewing cycle. Empty the carafe. Rinse away vinegar residue by running a full reservoir of water through the brewing cycle. (As always, follow manufacturer's care instructions.)

Kill grass

Forget store-bought grass and weed killers. Pour full-strength white distilled vinegar on unwanted vegetation. Reapply as needed.

Keep cut flowers fresh

Fresh flowers last longer if you add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in a 1-quart vase. Trim stems and change water every few days or when water starts to get cloudy.

No-wax floors

For rinse-free cleaning, mop using a solution of ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to a half-gallon of warm water. Change water as it gets dirty.

Microwave

Boil a solution of ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave until steam forms on the window. Wipe away food residue.

Hair rinse

After every few washings, remove shampoo build-up by rinsing hair with a solution of 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar) and 1 cup of water. Adjust amount of vinegar to suit your hair type. Less vinegar for dry hair; more vinegar for oily hair. A second rinse with plain water is optional. Hair will be silky and shiny.

Cleaner dishes and glasses

More at source: Today

2 Tennessee police officers Tase cleaning woman they mistook for burglar

IJCSA - — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 15:57:21 GMT

SHOCKING!

Two Tennessee police officers Tased a middle school cleaning woman they mistook for a burglar early this month.

Now, some of criticizing the officers' use of force.

The Chattanooga Times-Free Press reported the two Collegedale police officers responded to Ooltewah Middle School on the night of Jan. 11 and noticed one of the doors to the building open.

The officers entered the school with their guns drawn to look for intruders. They didn't know if a cleaning staff was working that night, but they did find some cleaning supplies outside a restroom.

While checking a room that has two entrances, a woman walked into the same from the opposite entrance. She wasn't carrying anything.

The officers asked the woman to identify herself, but she appeared to not understand English.

According to the officers' report, she refused to stop and show them her identification. She replied "no" to every question they asked both in English and Spanish.

The woman then left the room and began to walk quickly down a hallway. When one of the officers yelled the Spanish word for stop, the officers claim she began to run away.

The officers proceeded to chase her through the school's cafeteria, down a flight of stairs and outside into the parking lot.

All Certification Courses Included With Membership

More at source: Al.com

IJCSA Phone Poll

IJCSA - — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 10:37:07 GMT

IJCSA performed a phone poll of 200 potential cleaning customers in the United States. The calls were random and made both to potential commercial and residential clients. We already knew the answers that the poll would provide but we made the calls anyway. Our question was very simple. "If two cleaning services submitted a price quote to clean your home or business and the prices were roughly the same price, and one company was certified and the other company was not would you pick the certified cleaning company or the non certified company?" Ask yourself the same question. The results: 187 potential customers picked the certified company. Don`t wait till your potential client asks you for a certification. Turn in your company education and training certificates with all estimates and proposals.

Find A Certified Cleaning Company Here

Could your closet use some cleaning? Consider the NEAT Method

IJCSA - — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:30:22 GMT

Girsch's top five tips are:

Maximize your hanging space with slim-line hangers
Don't stack clothes, file them
Color-code using ROY-G-BIV
Display accessories like a boutique
Bin other accessories or loose items

About NEAT Method (from website)

NEAT Method is a lifestyle service committed to providing a more luxurious and smartly appointed living space. We recognize that life gets hectic and that maintaining an organized home can become a challenge. NEAT Method will design a customized solution that is not only effective but sustainable.

More at source: Fox News 6

Find A Cleaning & Organizing Service Here

Blount Schools 'green' cleaning receives national recognition

IJCSA - — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:44:55 GMT

Walk into any of Blount County Schools’ 23 buildings, and you won’t smell the strong ammonia, lemon or pine odors people often associate with cleaning products. Instead, Blount County has replaced harsh chemicals with safer and more environmentally friendly products and practices over the past five years.

“Many people went through the years thinking that clean has a smell,” said Gary Farmer, the schools’ facilities director. “Clean does not have a smell.”

More at source: Daily Times

Find A Green Cleaning Service Here.

DOJ indicts Austin owner of janitorial services company

IJCSA - — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:27:07 GMT

An Austin businessman who owns a commercial janitorial service operating in three Texas cities has been indicted for tax fraud.

Victor Antolik is charged with five counts of filing false tax returns and one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede tax laws, the U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday. If convicted, he faces up to 18 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, plus restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

More at source: Biz Journals

Find A Janitorial Service Service Here

5 Dangerous Chemicals in Your Cleaning Products and With Natural DIY Alternatives

IJCSA - — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 16:06:01 GMT

You’re probably used to reading the ingredient list on all your food by now. It’s pretty much a habit. And you know exactly what words to look for so you know whether to avoid that particular product. But what about the ingredients in your household cleaners?

If you don’t pay attention to the back of your multipurpose cleaner, you might be using chemicals that are dangerous to you, your family, and even your pet’s health. Not exactly what you want when you are just trying to clean your kitchen. If you do read the labels on your cleaners, it might feel like you need a degree in chemistry to understand what’s really in there.

Don’t worry, we’ll cover some of the most dangerous toxins that are lurking in your cabinets, so you know to avoid them as well as give you some simple and natural alternatives. You won’t have to go out and buy new expensive products because you probably already have the ingredients for a clean kitchen in your house!

1. Chlorine

We’ll start with a relatively easy one, chlorine. This is the chemical that is usually found in pools, but you can also find it in toilet bowl cleaners, stain removers, and household tap water. We are exposed to chlorine pretty much every day and we don’t even know it. City water generally uses chlorine to help get rid of bacteria, which is a good reason to use a filter on your tap. But because it’s in our water, we run the risk of overexposure when it’s in our cleaners. It can cause respiratory problems and even disrupt thyroid function.

What to use instead: Two big natural products for all home cleaning are going to be vinegar and baking soda. You can use vinegar to clean your toilet and as a whitener for your laundry. You could also use borax in your laundry or find a cleaner that is chlorine free. Install a filter on both your tap and your showers so you can reduce your exposure to chlorine even more.

More at source: Green Planet

Find A Green Cleaning Service Here

Icy Sidewalks Spark Outrage Over Janitorial Services at Sutherland

IJCSA - — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 18:00:27 GMT

BEVERLY — Icy sidewalks proved to be a launching pad for parents upset about the janitorial services at Sutherland Elementary School.

Students returned from winter break last Monday to find most of the sidewalks hadn't been shoveled or were cleared with only narrow paths, said Colleen Loehr, of Beverly.

Loehr volunteers as a traffic moderator on Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons at the school at 10015 S. Leavitt St. in Beverly. Her sons, Ryan, 9, and William, 7, are third- and first-graders.

She's stationed at the kiss-and-go drop-off at the northwest corner of the school on Monday mornings. As she was unloading children and their backpacks last week, kids were slipping and falling. Concerned parents stopped, causing frustration by hurried parents waiting behind.

More at source: DNAinfo.com

Find a cleaning / ice removal service here.

CDC issues warning on growing influenza epidemic

IJCSA - — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 15:44:45 GMT

The severity of an influenza epidemic in the nation is escalating, as the total number of reported cases reached 37,175 last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday, urging people to seek medical attention as soon as possible should they experience any symptoms.

According to the centers’ statistics released yesterday, 18 cases of severe flu-related complications and four flu-related deaths were confirmed last week, bringing to 196 the number of cases of severe complications and deaths nationwide since July last year.

CDC physician Lin Yung-ching (林詠青) said three of the four deaths last week were adults aged between 39 and 56 who had chronic diseases and had not been vaccinated, while the other case was a 22-month-old boy.

The baby had cerebral palsy and, despite a vaccination, developed a fever on Dec. 25 last year and was taken to see a doctor, Lin said, adding that the child was later found unconscious with hyperspasmia.

The baby was placed in intensive care after being diagnosed with influenza on Wednesday last week, but died of pneumonia and complications from sepsis on the same day, Lin said, adding that the baby was the youngest death caused by severe flu-related complications since last year.

CDC Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw (周志浩) said the baby caught the virus from a family member, adding that people should tell doctors their contact history to avoid delays in diagnoses and treatment.

“Vaccination is still the best way to prevent influenza, but it is more effective in adults than in babies under two years of age,” Lin said, adding that people with flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible and pay special attention to signs that complications are developing.

Lin said symptoms of severe complications include: pneumonia; myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle); encephalitis (inflammation of the brain); labored breathing and shortness of breath; bloody or thick phlegm; chest pain; altered states of consciousness; hypotension; and a high fever lasting longer than 72 hours.

There were 79,953 government-funded influenza vaccines in stock as of yesterday, Chou said, adding that the government has extended the list of conditions for eligible recipients to people older than 50 with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, HIV or chronic liver, heart, kidney or lung diseases.

Chou urged those eligible to receive a government-funded influenza vaccination as soon as possible.

More at source: CDC

Find A Professional Cleaning Company Here

U.S. demand for janitorial equipment and supplies is forecast to increase 2.2 percent per year through 2019 to $7.1 billion

IJCSA - — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 18:05:04 GMT

Research shows that governments are major purchasers of janitorial, sanitation and cleaning products. This category includes power equipment, paper/plastics, chemicals, supplies and accessories. Distributor sales of these products to municipal, county, state and federal government agencies totaled about $2.02 billion in the most recent year that data was available. Government sales equal 8.4 percent of the total U.S. market. Sales to educational institutions, government health care, stadiums, airports and public transit are in separate categories and not included in the government sales figure. The estimate is from the “Report on 2012 Sanitary Supply Distributor Sales,” which is a research study from ISSA, a cleaning industry trade group and Sanitary Maintenance.

A recent janitorial products market report from The Freedonia Group, likewise, shows sizable government purchases of janitorial products. The latest Freedonia research is“Janitorial Equipment & Supplies, Industry Study 3311,” which was issued August 2015. Freedonia is a Cleveland-based international industry market research firm.

The report explains that U.S. demand for janitorial equipment and supplies is forecast to increase 2.2 percent per year through 2019 to $7.1 billion, continuing the recovery that began in the latter part of the 2009-2014 period. The report notes that sizable pent-up demand for automated floor cleaning equipment will drive market advances. According to Freedonia analysts, “Automated floor cleaning equipment is forecast to post the fastest and largest gains as the segment continues to recover from its extended downturn. Sales of specialty items and those used on hard surface floors will particularly benefit as janitorial budgets expand.”

Freedonia’s study includes government facilities in the institutional category. Some government facilities included in the institutional category are: medical/health care establishments, educational institutions, libraries, museums and prisons. Government-sponsored labs are classed in the “Other” category in the Freedonia report.

The institutional market, according to Freedonia’s study, was the second largest market for janitorial equipment and supplies in 2014. It only slightly trailed the office market, with $1.9 billion, accounting for 30 percent of overall demand. Institutional demand for these products is projected to match gains in the office building market through 2019, rising 2.3 percent annually to $2.2 billion.

The Freedonia report has market data on a variety of other janitorial products, including:
--Manual Cleaning Products
--Automated Floor Cleaning Equipment
--Bags & Containers
--Other Products & Accessories

The report offers demand data by market (e.g., office buildings, institutional buildings, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, residential buildings) and purchaser (in-house cleaners, contract cleaners).

_____________

_{To get connected and stay up-to-date with similar content from American City & County:

Like us on Facebook}
_{Follow us on Twitter}
_{Watch us on Youtube}

Trio of housekeepers get jail for swiping Boynton clients’ jewelry

IJCSA - — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 17:56:12 GMT

A trio of housekeepers who sheriff’s deputies say made stealing from elderly clients the real family business will all be spending the holidays behind bars or on probation.

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Glenn Kelley sentenced 27-year-old Honduran native Karla Elvir to a year in jail and two years of probation last week for stealing more than $6,000 in jewelry from elderly clients whose houses she was cleaning.

More at source: MyPalmBeach

$1M bail set for janitorial company co-owner accused of fraud

IJCSA - — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 17:03:18 GMT

SAN DIEGO — The co-owner of a Southern California janitorial company accused of using straw owners to conceal the existence of hundreds of workers to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes and insurance premiums pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple felony charges.

Woo “Stephanie” Kwon, 59, was ordered held on $1 million bail pending a review hearing Jan. 4.

She and her husband, 62-year-old Hyok “Steven” Kwon — the owners of Good Neighbor Services — were indicted on charges of workers’ compensation fraud, payroll tax evasion and extortion. Each faces 31 years in prison if convicted, according to authorities.

More at source: Fox News

Owners of Good Neighbors Janitorial Service to Hotels Indicted on Worker’s Comp,

IJCSA - — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 16:57:03 GMT

The owners of a Southern California janitorial company that provides cleaning staff to major hotels in San Diego, Los Angeles and Riverside counties were indicted on charges of workers’ compensation fraud, payroll tax evasion and extortion, authorities announced Monday.

Hyok “Steven Kwon and his wife, Woo “Stephanie” Kwon — the owners of Good Neighbor Services — each face up to 31 years in prison if convicted.

Good Neighbor Services provides cleaning staff to major hotels such as the Hotel Del Coronado, Loews Coronado, La Costa Resort and Spa, the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and the Hilton and Hyatt hotel chains.

The investigation — which began 2 1/2 to three years ago — allegedly uncovered a methodical and systematic shell game involving six straw owners. Those straw owners were used to conceal the existence of hundreds of hotel workers to avoid paying millions of dollars in insurance premiums and payroll taxes, the government alleges.

“These defendants lied on the backs of their employees, who were cleaning rooms in some of the most prestigious hotels in California,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “If employees got hurt on the job, they were threatened with being fired.”

More at source: San Diego Times

Sydney cleaning company accused of underpaying workers by almost $500,000

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 18:36:31 GMT

One of Sydney's largest cleaning companies, BIC Cleaning Services, has been accused of systematically underpaying its cleaners by almost half a million dollars.

BIC, which has a 35 per cent market share of the cleaning contracts in Sydney's CBD, has been taken to the Federal Circuit court by the cleaners' union, United Voice, with claims of underpayments and breaches of the Fair Work Act.

The union said it had identified underpayments of about $450,000.

7.30 has spoken with three cleaners on student visas who all said they had been underpaid.

United Voice said international students.

More At source: ABC

Find a Janitorial Service Here

Janitorial Worker Union Organizes Drive For Farm Workers’ Families In Mexico

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:40:41 GMT

A San Francisco chapter of Service Employees International Union has launched a holiday drive to take toys and clothing to the children of farm workers in Mexico, according to union officials.

Leadership of SEIU Local 87, which is primarily comprised of janitorial workers in San Francisco, announced the drive on Sunday.

The effort is focused on supporting the families of agricultural workers in the town of San Quintin in Baja California.

Those workers in Mexico have been “violently repressed” while trying to orchestrate strikes and other worker actions, according to the union.

Union members will also be traveling to Tijuana in Mexico to host a luncheon in support of these workers. They are trying to raise another $3,000 before Saturday to pay for the trip, union officials said.

More at source: SF Appeal

At Age 92, Office Cleaner Is Still Hard at Work—and Loving It

IJCSA - — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 13:45:04 GMT

Back when she was in her 20s, Hazel Ingram was once told that she was “too skinny” for a cleaning job.

A man at a hiring agency thought a slight woman like Ms. Ingram wouldn’t be able to handle the lifting involved. His colleague disagreed, saying his hardworking mother-in-law was Ms. Ingram’s size.

She got the job.

Ms. Ingram, now 92 years old, has spent the roughly 65 years since then as a cleaner, 60 or so of them at the same Madison Avenue building. She is “by far” the oldest active worker in 32BJ S.E.I.U., the 145,000-member, multistate union representing cleaners, a union spokeswoman said.

And Ms. Ingram, who is employed by real estate and management firm Steinberg & Pokoik, said she has no plans to retire—not because she needs the job but because she loves the work.

More at source: WSJ

FIND A CLEANING SERVICE HERE

Stratus Building Solutions Announces Plans to Expand Franchises Into Another 42 Major US Cities by 2021

IJCSA - — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:00:27 GMT

December 03, 2015 // Franchising.com // Considering Franchising? Take note, Stratus Building Solutions looking to expand from 25 offices into another 42 Major US Cities by 2021. If you have been considering owning your own business but find the territory availability or work schedule of other franchisees too impacted or demanding, you may want to consider a Master Franchise with Stratus Building Solutions.

Since the acquisition of the Stratus Building Solutions corporate office in February 2015 by three partners who connected through ownership of their own Stratus Master Franchises, the new company has had many great accomplishments to secure the growth opportunities for their existing masters and now has announced they have set their sights on expansion across the country.

Stratus Building Solution’s Master model allows its franchisees to operate as regional franchisors, or area developers, selling and supporting their own unit franchisees within an owned exclusive territory. The average territory size determined by population consists of around 3 million people. With currently 25 existing Master Franchise Operators in metropolitans across the country in 18 states and supporting 1,400 unit franchisees, the new ownership has begun an extremely proactive approach in recent months to bring on more Master Franchisees in a minimum of 42 more US cities by 2021.

Stratus Building Solutions is focusing expansion efforts on the largest remaining available metropolitan territories across the United States, including Atlanta, Dallas / Ft. Worth, Chicago, New Orleans, Detroit, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas and Raleigh. “We currently have a nationwide presence in the commercial cleaning and janitorial franchise industry, however expanding into remaining key cities will bring our brand awareness to a whole new competitive level to reach consumers and new unit franchisees,” states Stratus Corporate CEO, Afshin Cangarlu.

In April of this year, Stratus Building Solutions corporate headquarters launched two new main websites targeting new janitorial service clients and new franchisees, both Master and Unit. Additionally, each of the existing 25 Master Franchises were provided with their own customer and Unit Franchise websites specifically designed for their geo-targeted markets.

The extensive franchise recruiting website seeks to educate potential franchise owners with the opportunity and requirements of the company’s multi-level business options. The company’s ideal candidate for the Master Franchise level has experience in executive level management, sales and marketing and $250,000 in liquid assets.

Stratus Building Solutions nationwide sales have already shown a steady improvement, increasing 7% since the acquisition. Optimism has run rampant since February as well amongst the existing Masters, and with the new proactive recruiting process now in place, the company is set to launch into a strong 2016.

About Stratus Building Solutions

Stratus Building Solutions is a nationwide franchise company in the commercial cleaning industry, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. Stratus was developed to provide a superior, environmentally friendly commercial cleaning experience driven by dedicated, entrepreneurial, small business owners and regional master franchise offices nationwide. Stratus has over 1,400 unit franchisees in 25 major cities across the United States. Stratus is setting new standards in the building services and maintenance franchise industry by being the first to offer sustainable Green Cleaning janitorial with their own proprietary Stratus Green Clean products and green consulting services. For more information, please visit www.stratusbuildingsolutions.com.

SOURCE Stratus Building Solutions

Media Contact:

Rachel Frazier
Marketing Coordinator
888-981-1555

State recovers nearly $200K in wages for employees of Hillsboro janitorial company

IJCSA - — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 17:30:17 GMT

A Hillsboro janitorial company has agreed to pay nearly $200,000 in back wages to 46 employees who worked on taxpayer-funded projects in Oregon, state labor officials announced Wednesday.

The workers have received about $161,000 so far and are due to receive another $32,000 by the end of the month after the state deposits final wage payments collected from their employer,

More at source: Oregon Live

Janitorial firm underpaid workers on five projects

IJCSA - — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 16:35:26 GMT

A Hillsboro, Ore., janitorial business failed to pay employees nearly $200,000 for work on five construction projects at public institutions since 2011, including the University of Oregon’s recent soccer and lacrosse field expansion, and the new state psychiatric hospital in Junction City, state labor officials said Wednesday.

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries said it has collected $160,000 in wages owed by Cornerstone Janitorial Services, compensating 58 workers. BOLI collected the funds directly from Cornerstone in multiple payments over the last year, spokesman Charlie Burr said. The state then distributed money to the employees it determined were underpaid.

The agency collected the final payment — $31,700 — from Cornerstone last week, Burr said. BOLI expects to distribute the payment to 21 employees by the end of the month, raising the total to about $192,000.

“A fair amount of work was done in the last year to collect wages that were owed,” Burr said.

Cornerstone, owned by Sang In Nam, works with building contractors, doing site maintenance and cleanup at large construction sites.

A majority of the unpaid wages — $121,485.63 — was owed to 22 Cornerstone employees who worked on the UO athletic department’s Casanova Center expansion and rebuild of the women’s soccer and lacrosse complex, which ran from 2011 to 2013. Both projects are at the Autzen Stadium complex.

A woman who answered the phone number listed for Cornerstone on Wednesday said Nam was unavailable to comment, then hung up.

Eleven Cornerstone employees were owed $10,932.10 for work on the state psychiatric hospital in Junction City, which opened in March.

BOLI also secured unpaid wages from Cornerstone on a Salem hospital project, an underground parking garage at Portland Community College and a high school renovation in Stayton, southeast of Salem.

More at source: Columbian

Local cleaning products company gets grant

IJCSA - — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:32:51 GMT

Rural businesses in need of a helping hand got some financial assistance recently from the federal government.

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Janelle Gustafson toured Western Montana last week to bestow several grants to business. Gustafson stopped by Kalispell on Nov. 3 to award Laura Blankenship with a $7,950 grant for her company, Heaven Scent Solutions. The Whitefish-based cleaning products entrepreneur now has a store in Kalispell, and with the help of a new grant, is approaching a distribution deal and planning to hire six new employees.

More at source: Daily Interlake

Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market Worth 16.3 Billion USD by 2020

IJCSA - — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:28:02 GMT

"Asia-Pacific is the key market for metal cleaning chemicals"

PUNE, India, Nov 23, 2015 (PR Newswire Europe via COMTEX) -- PUNE, India, November 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market by Type (Aqueous & Solvent), by Metal Type (Steel, Aluminum, Copper Alloys & Others), by Region - Global Trends & Forecasts to 2020", published by MarketsandMarkets, The Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market size by value is projected to reach USD 16.3 Billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 4.9% between 2015 and 2020.

Browse 82 market data Tables and 52 Figures spread through 132 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Metal Cleaning Chemicals Market".

More at source: Market Watch

24 losing jobs as Lancaster County government outsources janitorial work

IJCSA - — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 15:12:57 GMT

Lancaster County has hired a Harrisburg-area janitorial company to replace 24 workers who clean the courthouse and two other government buildings.

The county commissioners said the two-year, $943,244 contract with Cleanteam Building Services of Lemoyne, Cumberland County, will save taxpayers $474,287.

The commissioners stressed they are not dissatisfied with the work of the five full-time and 19 part-time employees who will lose their jobs. "As budgets continue to be tight, you have to look at these types of things," Commissioner Scott Martin said.

More at source: Lancaster Online

Click here to find your professional service.

Find Your Cleaning Service

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 20:39:43 GMT

Whether you are looking for a reliable home cleaner or a large company for your office or warehouse. You are in the right place. IJCSA has cleaning professionals for any job you may require.

Fired workers, union file labor charge against Shops at Sunset Place cleaning company.

IJCSA - — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 13:07:53 GMT

Cleaning workers who lost their jobs after the property’s $110 million sale.

The workers, some who helped keep the mall clean for more than a decade, lost their jobs when new owners Grass River Property and Federal Reality Investment Trust hired a new cleaning contractor, Coastal Building Maintenance.

Now the cleaners and their union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

“It’s illegal to discriminate against workers for belonging to a union,” said Ana Tinsly, communications specialist for SEIU Local 32BJ. “If they don’t want to collectively bargain with the workers or for whatever reason, to save money, etc., that’s the charge. We are still in the process of the investigation and filing the affidavit. I’m assuming it can take anywhere from a couple months to a year for something like this to be resolved.”

More at source: Miami Herald

6 Cleaning Tricks From Hotel Housekeeping That We Should All Borrow

IJCSA - — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:23:46 GMT

When it comes to cleaning -- and cleaning fast --hotel housekeeping knows what's up.

The above video lays out some pro tips we'd never heard of -- and ones we can't wait to try out. When used correctly, they'll turn your home into the likes of a hotel suite. For example:

Vacuum into the room, then out. That way, you'll hit high-traffic spots twice without re-tracing your steps.
Do the bathroom last. You'll minimize transferring goo and bacteria to the rest of your space.
A toothbrush is your greatest weapon. Use it on bathroom grout to zap dirt from nooks and crannies.

Watch the video at the source Huffington Post for more.

Find a cleaning service here.

GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. Closes Acquisition of Ainsworth Inc.

IJCSA - — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 13:22:56 GMT

LASALLE, QC, Nov. 11, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. (TSX: GDI) (the "Company" or "GDI"), is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of Ainsworth Inc. ("Ainsworth"), a subsidiary of CEDA International Corporation ("CEDA").

"To welcome Ainsworth to our family is a milestone event for GDI that significantly enhances our position in the market and our value proposition to clients," statedClaude Bigras, President and CEO of GDI. "Uniting GDI's leading cross-Canadacommercial janitorial services platform with Ainsworth's cross-Canada HVAC-R, mechanical, electrical and technical services business positions GDI as the only company in Canada capable of providing building owners and managers with a full range of core facility maintenance services. Together with Ainsworth, we are now able to offer our clients a complete suite of best in class outsourced services, a one-stop-shop for all of their facility maintenance needs."

Murray Leimert, President and COO of Ainsworth stated, "We are extremely excited about becoming part of the GDI family. Like GDI, Ainsworth's mission is to provide clients with consistently high quality services at the best available price-quality ratio, delivered through locally-based teams of dedicated employees. Together, GDI and Ainsworth are unique in Canada, able to provide a complete facility maintenance services solution at an attractive value proposition."

About GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc.

GDI is a leading commercial facility services provider which offers a range of services in Canada and the United States to owners and managers of a variety of facility types including office buildings, hotels, shopping centres, industrial facilities, healthcare establishments, distribution facilities, airports and other transportation facilities. GDI's commercial facility services capabilities include commercial janitorial, installation, maintenance and repair of HVAC-R, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as other complementary services such as damage restoration and janitorial products manufacturing and distribution. GDI's subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: GDI). Additional information on GDI can be found on its website at www.gdi.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Consequently, actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated by such statements. Readers should not rely unduly on such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc.

Jury orders Bellevue businessman to pay fired janitor $650K in retaliation case

IJCSA - — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:07:35 GMT

A federal jury has awarded $650,000 to a Bulgarian janitor who was fired by a Bellevue businessman after being told he had to learn English or lose his job.

Yordan Petrov sued James D. Hebert and his wife, former King County Councilwoman Cynthia Sullivan, for discrimination, retaliation and withheld wages after he was summarily fired from Hebert Research after being ordered to take an English-as-a-second-language class after he’d been working for the company for five years without complaint.

The judgment, entered earlier this month after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge James Robart in August, included $300,000 for state and federal retaliation claims, and $350,000 in punitive damages against Hebert and the company. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on discrimination claims alleged by Petrov.

“This is a very large judgment, particularly in a case involving a low-wage employee,” said Petrov’s attorney, Elizabeth Hanley.

More at source: Seattle Times

Janitorial workers reach 11th hour deal with managment association to avert strike

IJCSA - — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 16:16:05 GMT

A Pittsburgh union representing 1,000 commercial office cleaners reached an agreement Thursday with its management association, averting a strike just two days before the current contract was set to expire.

Bargaining between the two groups had been ongoing since Sept. 9, but the negotiations reached a tipping point Tuesday when members of the 32BJ local, a part of the Service Employees International Union, voted to strike if the sides failed to reach a deal by midnight Saturday.

The union handles janitorial work throughout the region at locations that include the U.S. Steel Tower, Gateway Center, PNC Plaza and Bayer’s headquarters. They were negotiating with the Managers, Owners and Contractors Association for greater health care benefits and wage increases.

On Thursday, the two sides reached a four-year tentative agreement that includes “a fair wage increase and maintains benefits at their current level,” according to a statement released by the union. The deal, which is still subject to union ratification, would expire Oct. 31, 2019.

More at source: Post Gazette

Hand washing 101: CDC says college students need refresher

IJCSA - — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:03:09 GMT

College students may not be washing their hands properly, according to researchers who found that more than half of the students tested had large amounts of different types of bacteria on their hands.

The bacteria were linked to increased risks for infections, doctors’ visits, and absences from class or work.

Infectious diseases can be spread in many ways, but proper handwashing with soap and clean, running water is one of the most important steps that can be taken to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The authors of the new study note that college campuses are high-risk places for spreading infections. Students live in close proximity to one another and are in close contact.

More info at: CDC

Janitors Mistakenly Throw Out Champagne Bottle Art Installation

IJCSA - — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 17:23:08 GMT

Goldschmied & Chiari, Where Are We Going to Dance Tonight?.
Photo: Museion, via Facebook.

A team of hardworking Italian cleaners thought they were tidying up after a particularly wild opening party on Friday night at Museion, Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art in Bolanzo, Italy. The 300 empty champagne bottles, confetti, and cigarette butts, however, were actually part of an installation by Milanese artists Goldschmied & Chiari.

The piece, titled Where Are We Going to Dance Tonight?, was inspired by the Italy of the 1980s, "a period characterized by consumerism, hedonism, by socialist politicians and their neverending parties," according to the museum website. Apparently the work was a little too convincing.

More at source: Art News

Janitors' labor dispute continues after 12 years

IJCSA - — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 15:41:16 GMT

Houston has never been a hotbed of organized labor. But for more than a decade, the Service Employees International Union has been locked in a fierce battle with a commercial cleaning company in Houston.

The union, which came to town more than a decade ago as part of its Justice for Janitors campaign, has been trying to get Professional Janitorial Service of Houston to recognize the union as the bargaining agent for its 1,400 janitors through a public card check process that bypasses secret ballot elections that employers typically prefer.

Along the way, there have been many loud rallies, a giant inflatable rat, dueling labor board allegations of illegal labor practices and a defamation lawsuit.

The latest salvo? The company has accused the union of trying to trash its reputation by providing what it believes to be forged signatures of PJS employees asking its customers to stop doing business with the cleaning company.

More info at source: Houston Chronicle

3 Indicted in Janitorial Services Bribery Case

IJCSA - — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:16:13 GMT

Anthony Lepore, John Rife, and Brian Domalik are charged with bribing Patrick Johnson, a Loganville resident, in exchange for favorable treatment by Jackson on contracts between their company and the two government entities.

“These defendants are charged with circumventing the government contracting process by bribing a corrupt public official who was willing to put his own interests above those of the taxpayers he served,” U.S. Attorney John Horn said in a news release. “This indictment reaches to the very top suites of the company, charging complicity in the bribery at the highest levels.”

According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court included:

Anthony Lepore was the President and CEO of Rite Way Services, Inc., an Alabama based company that sought to do business with DeKalb and GWCC. Rife was the regional vice president, and Domalik, who came to work for the company in 2010, was the division manager, both working out of the Norcross, Ga., facility.

More at source: Georgia Patch

Owner of Cleaning Pixies sentenced to probation for welfare fraud

IJCSA - — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:37:50 GMT

BUFFALO, NY - The owner of a cleaning business in Hamburg will not spend any time in jail for welfare fraud. A judge sentenced Rhonda Heinen, 40, of Springville, to five years probation, plus 1,000 hours of community service.

More at source: WGRZ

WeWork Ends Combative Dispute With Former Janitorial Workers

IJCSA - — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:14:06 GMT

WeWork, a New York start-up valued at $10 billion with the mission “to create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living,” is seeking to put a contentious labor dispute behind it.

On Tuesday, WeWork, which offers temporary office space with perks like arcade games, showers and coffee bars to entrepreneurs and big businesses alike, said it would now use unionized contractors to provide janitorial services for its locations in New York and Boston.

The agreement comes after months of protests from former WeWork cleaners, who were paid as little as $10 an hour through a nonunion contractor, Commercial Building Maintenance.

More at source: NY Times

New street cleaning machine used in Spalding for the first time

IJCSA - — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 16:14:16 GMT

Cigarette butts and chewing gum are being blitzed from streets by South Holland District Council’s powerful new cleaning machine.

As part of its Pride in South Holland campaign to clean up unloved sites in the district the council has obtained a Glutton vacuuming machine.

The potent machine is highly effective at cleaning up cigarette butts, drinks bottles and chewing gum from pavements.

It is electric and runs silently, using a lengthy vacuuming nozzle to clear hard-to-reach pavement cracks and kerbsides.

The council’s street sweeping team will be using the Glutton machine to clean streets and pavements on a daily basis.

More at source: Spalding UK

Investigators say explosion caused by cleaning chemicals sends two people to the hospital

IJCSA - — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 17:26:21 GMT

An afternoon explosion in the small town of Allen, Neb. is leaving the community shaken up Thursday evening. Crews on the scene say a flash fire from a chemical explosion sent two people to the hospital.

Investigators say two elderly people were just cleaning the bathroom inside Allen's former Village Inn, soon to be a new bar and restaurants when an explosion ripped through the room, sending both people to the hospital.

"You never think in a small town like this it's going to happen, I mean what is there to explode?" said Connie Roberts, a teacher in Allen, Neb.

But around 5 p.m. Thursday, an explosion at the former Village Inn rocked the small community of Allen, all from two people inside, cleaning.

"Cleaning in the bathroom with chemicals, which caused the explosion," said Sara Kumm, Allen, NE EMT Rescue Captain.

Allen Fire Chief Rod Strivens says an elderly man and woman inside quickly extinguished the flames from the flash fire caused by the explosion. Officials say there was minimal damage to the building, but the explosion sent both to the hospital. One person was taken to the hospital via life flight.

"You just try to do whatever you can to help the guy as soon as you can," said Rod Strivens, Allen, NE Fire Chief.

More at source: ABC

Find A Green Cleaning Service Here.

Doctors, parents warn about cleaning product dangers.

IJCSA - — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:32:40 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — If you have kids, experts say “buyers beware” of purchasing certain types of cleaning products, especially ones that children may think are their favorite food or drink.

Dr. Mowry is a poison control specialist at Indiana University Health Methodist. He said their office in Indianapolis receives at least 2,000 calls of concern a year. Parents are usually on the other end of the phone wondering what to do if their child ingests an alcohol-based product.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry by calling our toll-free number when in doubt,” said Dr. Mowry.

Steve Price, a seasoned child care veteran of 32 years, agrees. Price overlooks more than 150 kids at Kidscape Childcare and Learning Center. Their roster is full with infants and children up to age 12.

Price said he’s watched sanitation products go into the wrong hands. He recommends keeping them completely out of reach from children to avoid disaster.

“I’ve seen them lick their hands, rub their eye and then scream in pain,” said Steve Price with Kidscape Childcare and Learning Center.

This unfortunately happens one too many times according to Dr. Mowry, who often monitors the Poison Control Hotline.

More at source: Wish TV

Cleaning Robot Market Worth 2.50 Billion USD by 2020

IJCSA - — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 17:47:51 GMT

Cleaning robot becomes a one-time investment for individuals exploring cost-effective cleaning services. Further, with technological improvements in vacuum cleaners; highly advanced, small-sized, and efficient cleaning appliances are being developed. These robots can easily fit into limited spaces compared to traditional robots.

The emergence of futuristic robotics is supporting the innovation of smaller but technologically advanced and cheaper cleaning robots. Therefore, the development of small-sized cleaning robots serves to be a significant driving factor for the growth of this market.

The Cleaning Robot Market has been segmented into various verticals- residential, commercial, industrial, and healthcare, among others. The others category includes verticals such as small business units and contract service providers. The residential vertical segment led the global cleaning robot market in 2014, and accounted for a share of 59.4%.

In 2014, the floor cleaning robot segment held the largest share of 59.8% of the market for the residential vertical.

The research study is aimed at identifying emerging trends and opportunities in the global cleaning robot market along with detailed classifications, and size in terms of value and volume. It provides a comprehensive competitive landscape and identifies the key players with respect to market size and market share.

The research study also includes a detailed segmentation of the global cleaning robot market on the basis of products, verticals, and geography.

Apart from the market segmentation, this report also uses the Porter's five forces, which provides an in-depth analysis of the market providing a detailed process flow diagram and market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the cleaning robot market.

More at source: PRNews

Find a real cleaning service here.

ABM gets 2 year extension of cleaning Superdome

IJCSA - — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:15:21 GMT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A New York company says it has a two-year extension of its contract to clean the Superdome and nearby arena after events including football and basketball games.

ABM Industries Inc. spokesman Chas Strong says the company is not releasing the dollar value of the extension with SMG, the company which manages both venues.

More at source: Washington Times

Find A Janitorial Service here.

Why Fall Cleaning Is the New Spring Cleaning

IJCSA - — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 16:48:45 GMT

Spring gets all the credit as the season for cleaning. After being cooped up for months, the ritual makes sense. But fall cleaning can be just as important as spring cleaning. Take some time to tidy your home and your finances so you can enter winter with a fresh space and fresh mind. Here are some tips to help guide your fall cleaning below.

Ditch the Clutter

Summer can be a busy time and even if you went through your home in the spring, you might have accumulated more things you don’t need. This can also be a good time to re-evaluate summer items that you didn’t use all summer long. If you plan to just store them for another year, it might be time to get rid of them.

It’s a good idea to evaluate what you have and separate them into categories. There are the items you want to keep, those you want to sell, those you want to give away or donate and those you want to throw away.

Try doing an exchange with friends if you are looking for new-to-you items to replace the ones you are getting rid of. You could host a garage sale if you have enough stuff and you are looking to make some money. There may even be less competition for buyers than in the spring.

You could also turn to online sales sites like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook and others. For the items you’ve designated to donate, or those that don’t sell, you can look to a local church or community center, the Salvation Army or Goodwill. It turns out your fall cleaning can even help you make a profit or receive tax breaks.

More At Source: Blog Credit

Flu season begins, but experts say this year's vaccine should do the trick

IJCSA - — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:46:20 GMT

The annual flu season is headed our way. So is the annual flu vaccine.

But will this year's shot be more effective than last year's version, when an unexpectedly strong strain of flu walloped thousands of Californians?

"We think it's better this year but won't know for certain until the flu season begins," said Dr. Erica Pan, Alameda County deputy health officer.

Flu season typically runs from October through May, but in the Bay Area, peak season hits in January and February.

Experts say the strength of the vaccine all comes down to how well manufacturers -- which work months in advance to produce shots -- predict the strains of flu that will hit us.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden receives a flu shot from nurse B.K. Morris during an event about flu vaccinations, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, at the National Press Club in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin / AP)

Three kinds of viruses commonly circulate among people today, according to the Centers for Disease Control: two types of influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2, and influenza B viruses. The CDC said all of the 2015-16 vaccines will protect against those three viruses, and so far, health officials say, they appear to be on target.

Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County's health officer said flu vaccine predictions start early every year based on what kind of flu strains are hitting people in the Southern Hemisphere during their flu season, which is the opposite of ours.

Manufacturers try to determine if the same flu strains will make their way to us in the Northern Hemisphere. Last year, Morrow said, "their guess was not as great as it could have been.''

More at source: Mercury News

Ribbon cutting: MTO Janitorial

IJCSA - — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:41:11 GMT

Ribbon cutting: MTO Janitorial

Courtesy

The Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce did a ribbon cutting for new member, MTO Janitorial located at 5810 N. Prairie Ln. Pictured is (left-right) Chamber Ambassador, Jean Lupa, MTO's Relations Coordinator, Jann Watts, MTO's Office Manage, April Chavez, Owner of MTO Janitorial, Lucy Leyva with her husband Juan, Chamber Ambassador, Lesa West, and Membership Services Director, Zack Hurt . For more information on the services offered by MTO Janitorial you can contact them by calling (928)772-0004 or you can visit their website at www.mtojanitorial.com

ABM to cut 260 janitorial jobs due to contract loss.

IJCSA - — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 16:49:58 GMT

South Central Inc., a division of New York-based ABM Industries Inc. (NYSE: ABM), will cut approximately 260 Houston jobs due to the loss of a janitorial services contract.

The company’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport worksite, 2800 N. Terminal Road, will close, and the jobs will be cut on Oct. 31, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letter sent to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The employees do not have union representation, nor do they have bumping rights, meaning more senior employees cannot take the jobs of those with less seniority.

ABM Industries is a building maintenance firm with a market value of $1.7 billion, according to StreetAuthority. Janitorial services account for about half of the company’s more than $5 billion in annual revenue, and ABM’s janitorial services market share is about five times that of its closest competitor, according to StreetAuthority.

As of Oct. 31, 2014, the ABM Industries had about 118,000 employees companywide, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: Biz Journals

Bangor jail inmates displaced for air duct cleaning, cell painting

IJCSA - — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 18:32:53 GMT

BANGOR, Maine — There was a thick layer of dust on the air intake units at Penobscot County Jail, so about 40 inmates were shipped to other facilities earlier this week to allow cleaners access to the ducts blocked by bars, Sheriff Troy Morton said Friday.

“It was filthy,” the sheriff said of the air cleaning units that were installed about 25 years ago. “It needed to be done.”

There were no health problems reported before the cleaning, Morton said. The project started Monday, and several inmates have already returned, Morton said. The inmates were sent to Cumberland County Jail or Somerset County Jail.

“We sent a friendly note to local [police departments] and the courts to let them know,” Morton said.

Jail officials didn’t want local police or the court system to be caught off guard, in case they were looking for a specific person at the jail for interviews or for court, the sheriff said.

“It’s an everyday battle,” Morton said, referring to the fact the overcrowded jail in Bangor typically boards out inmates on a daily basis.

The jail has a listed capacity of 156 inmates, with an average daily population of 177 and typically boarding out 56 inmates at other facilities, officials said earlier this year.

With the 40 displaced by the air duct cleaning project, the total boarded out Thursday was 90, the sheriff said.

Jail officials also are taking advantage of the fact the cells are empty and are painting and cleaning them, Morton said. The paint and supplies cost around $3,500, he said, adding he didn’t know the expense of the duct cleaning work.

“The labor is being done by inmates and supervised by our staff,” the sheriff said.

A total of 16 inmates spent a portion of Friday cleaning and applying paint to the walls, Morton said.

Source: Bangor Daily News

7 miraculous cleaning products that will change your life.

IJCSA - — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 17:18:45 GMT

There is nothing like having a clean house. It can make the difference between a stressful home or a peaceful one. Here are seven miraculous cleaning products that will change your life and make your home and family life that much better.

1. A good vacuum

I hated my carpet. We had only lived in our home three years and we already needed to replace the carpets. They were dingy, flat and definitely not something you wanted your kids playing on. Then, something came into my life that was a complete game changer. I got a new vacuum. I had a nice vacuum before; it’s a vacuum, and all it needs to do is suck up the gunk on the floor, right? WRONG. I discovered the powers of a Dyson Vacuum. This vacuum worked wonders on my carpets. They look brand new again. I vacuumed the day before with my old vacuum and it was shocking to hear and see just how much my Dyson picked up off the floor just a day later. My carpet is soft, clean and inviting now. Trust me, it is well worth the money spent. I spent more buying vacuum after vacuum before. Having a good vacuum changes everything.

You can find Dyson products at any big retail store that sellss vacuums as well as by visiting www.dyson.com. You may also consider another great vacuum found atwww.sharkclean.com.

2. Bar Keepers Friend

This should really be named Bar Keepers BEST Friend. Seriously, this stuff is fantastic! I can't think of an area of my home I haven't used it on. You can use it anywhere, from outdoors right into your kitchen. I fell in love with this product when I was struggling with hard water stains on my glass shower. A friend recommended it to me, and as a last resort I gave it a shot. I was immediately hooked. After using it, you couldn't even tell there was glass there. It was perfect! It works great in the kitchen to shine up stainless steel sinks and even cookware.

Bar Keepers Friend can be found at all retail stores. Visit www.barkeepersfriend.comfor more information.

3. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

I bet I am not the only parent out there that has walked into a room to discover it newly redecorated with toddler artwork all over the walls. I don't panic anymore. I know that the Magic Eraser will get it off. I use this product on my walls way more than I should admit. It is also great for getting scuff marks off baseboards and for cleaning up dingy blinds. I have even used it to spruce up tennis shoes before handing them down to my next son. I always make sure to have one on hand. You never know when you will need it.

More at source: News OK

Hillary Clinton Meets the Ex-Janitor Who Donated $1,000 to Campaign

IJCSA - — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 15:17:41 GMT

Former Janitor meets with Hillary Clinton. Report states he saved for over a

Year to make contribution.

Full story at ABC.

Janitor Beaten With Plunger

IJCSA - — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:45:36 GMT

A janitor was assaulted in a bathroom at Chelsea Piers on Sept. 11, according to police.

CHELSEA — A man using the bathroom at Chelsea Piers repeatedly whacked a janitor on the head with a plunger and punched him after the janitor accidentally bumped him with his mop, police said.

The 63-year-old janitor, who was cleaning the public bathroom on the north side of the building, was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital and had a bloody left ear and bruises and swelling on the left side of his face, according to police and workers there.

Soon after the incident that took place on Sept. 11 just after 9 a.m., police arrested Billy Thomas, 46, and charged him with assault.

More at source: DNAINFO.com

Average NYC school janitor makes $109K Per Year

IJCSA - — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:44:51 GMT

Custodians took home an average pay of $109,467 in the 2013-14 school year — and 634 of the city’s 799 custodians earned more than $100,000 in salary and overtime during that time, city payroll records show.

That’s because of the city’s 1,500 school buildings, 238 have no full-time custodian on site, up 74 percent from the 137 empty slots in 2012, according to data from the custodians union.

The arrangement is forcing nearly one-third of the city’s 737 custodians to cover two schools — and reap additional pay.

So why not hire more janitors and avoid the double pay for overtime? Maybe it has something to do with all the perks, including retirement arrangements, that don’t seem to figure into the average pay reported above.

More at source: American Thinker

Welcome New Member: A1 Cleaning San Jose - California

IJCSA - — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 13:14:39 GMT

Member ID

29863247

First name

George

Company Name

A1 Cleaning San Jose

Logo or Avatar

Phone

650-518-1544

Personal information

Job title

Account Manager

Website

www.a1cleaningsanjose.com

Contact data

Address

1613 Firestone Drive

City

San Jose

Postal code

95116

Country

United States

State or Providence

California

Referred By:

Web

Products | Services

Specializing In:

Carpet Cleaning
Commercial Cleaning
Distributor
Eviction Cleaning
Floor Cleaning
Forclosure Cleaning
Janitorial Service
Maid Service
Residential Cleaning
Window Washing

Additional information

Additional Company Information

We don’t just clean, we have a system in place that is followed each and every time to ensure that quality work is achieved. We also incorporate specific needs that are tailored to your business so each office is getting individualized attention.

In Business Since

2014

Welcome New Member: THE CLEANING SQUAD OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC. - Florida

IJCSA - — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 13:11:32 GMT

Member ID

29935483

First name

ADOLFO

Company Name

THE CLEANING SQUAD OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC.

Logo or Avatar

Phone

3055608963

Personal information

Job title

OWNER

Website

www.cleaningsquad.club

Contact data

Address

8043 nw 114 path

City

Doral

Postal code

33178

Country

United States

State or Providence

Florida

Referred By:

SEARCH ENGINE

Products | Services

Specializing In:

Commercial Cleaning
Green Cleaning / Eco Friendly
Residential Cleaning

Additional information

In Business Since

2015

Welcome New Member: We Mean to Klean, LLC Pennsylvania

IJCSA - — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 13:09:37 GMT

Member ID

29938299

First name

Lauren

Company Name

We Mean to Klean, LLC

Logo or Avatar

Phone

(717) 843-3400

Personal information

Job title

Owner

Website

http://www.wemeantoklean.com

Extra Link

http://www.facebook.com/laurenwemeantoklean

Extra Link #2

http://www.twitter.com/WEMEANTOKLEEN

Contact data

Address

1212 West College Avenue

City

York

Postal code

17404

Country

United States

State or Providence

Pennsylvania

Referred By:

Arcsi

Products | Services

Specializing In:

Air Duct Cleaning
Business Product
Carpet Cleaning
Commercial Cleaning
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Eviction Cleaning
Floor Cleaning
Forclosure Cleaning
Green Cleaning / Eco Friendly
Janitorial Service
Maid Service
Mold Remediation
Move In | Move Out Cleaning
Property Management
Residential Cleaning
Strip & Wax Floors
Tile | Grout Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning

Additional information

Additional Company Information

We Mean to Klean was founded in late 2012, while I was pursuing my bachelor's in Business Management. Started as a way to supplement my income, it was my hope that by providing a quality, detailed cleaning service, I might provide enough supplemental income to contribute towards the grocery bill for my family of five. I had little expectations beyond that. However, I soon learned that my previous training and experience within the Quality and Process Engineering field provided me an opportunity to formulate a, "niche" market. I have always promoted the ideaology that the only way of providing a service or manufacturing a product is by doing it, "right the first time." Further, it certainly was not MY job to define what the customer's service needs were and that by mandating that prospective clients choose packages that were not tailored to their unique needs, I was not meeting their unique needs or providing excellent customer service. While there is certainly no shortage of competition within the cleaning field, very few companies I have worked for are what I would consider, "consumer driven." As I worked a little longer, it became apparent that my detailed nature was most appreciated outside of general maintenance cleanings that a lot of the competition was offering so, along with other companies that shared my business ethics, I aligned myself with cleaning providers whom would handle the routine maintenance cleanings after my staff and I performed the detail, "museum type" standard cleanings that I have become known to provide. Coupled with some of the best and experienced professionals within the cleaning industry, we have nine total certified cleaning professional capable of providing a wide array of cleaning services to the highest caliper of quality possible. We boast an A+ BBB rating and are members of ARCSI and many other professional industry leading organizations. Our customers are composed of both residential and commercial clients and the greatest number of our clients are either real estate companies looking to provide available homes to, "visually appealing market ready appearance" or new homeowners who appreciate the highly detailed cleaning services we offer. We are a cleaning provider that truly values our reputation above anything else and it is apparent considering our company has quickly become a household name in the community we happily service!

In Business Since

2012

CUPE claims University of Windsor to contract out janitorial jobs

IJCSA - — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 18:04:52 GMT

The University of Windsor is contracting out janitorial duties at six of its buildings, says the union that represents the hourly employees who do the work.

The change takes effect next Monday, CUPE Local 1001 says.

John Coleman, the school's director of public affairs and communications told CBC he would respond to a request for a statement later Wednesday.

The union says the move affects work at Dillon Hall, Clark Residence, Alumni Hall, as well as the Toldo GLIER and ELIP buildings.

Jeff Martin, president of CUPE Local 1001, says he is "pissed off to no end."

He said the university's decision is the continuation of a troubling trend.

"It's been going on for years, and we've been talking about it for years. It's just nothing seems to happen. It just stays the same, and we lose jobs, lose jobs, lose jobs. You get mad. Your hands are kind of tied," he said.

Martin says no current union members will lose their jobs with this move, but he says 12 of his members will be redeployed and some positions will eventually be lost through attrition.

There are currently 68 employees in housekeeping at the university, according to Martin.

"They're going to completely get rid of us. That's just the way it is. They're going to get rid of us," Martin said.

More at source: CBC

Professional Cleaning Service Locator

IJCSA - — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:43:20 GMT

Find the best cleaning service. >>

Professional cleaning companies to perform customized cleaning at your home or business.

Free Estimates
Certified Companies
One Time, Daily, Weekly, Biweekly, Monthly Services
No Sign Up Required

US Janitorial Equipment & Supplies Market to grow 2.2% annually through 2019

IJCSA - — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:08:20 GMT

PRNewswire/ -- US demand to grow 2.2% annually through 2019

US demand for janitorial equipment and supplies is forecast to grow 2.2 percent per year through 2019 to $7.1 billion, continuing the recovery that began in the latter part of the 2009-2014 period. Significant pent-up demand in automated floor cleaning equipment will fortify advances. After initially falling in 2008 and 2009, sales of most types of automated floor cleaning equipment remained below pre-recession highs as of 2014, but will again approach or exceed those levels by 2019.

Gains will be spurred by accelerating economic growth, which will increase foot traffic and a need for additional cleaning in buildings, as well as factors such as a rising number of business establishments and gains in nonresidential floor space that boost the potential market for janitorial products. Increased demand for nonessential cleaning activity and related products will also promote advances. Heightened interest in sustainable cleaning practices will buoy demand for higher value products that decrease or eliminate water or chemical consumption.

Sales will be further fueled by growing interest in replacing older, noisy equipment with quieter, more discreet products appropriate for noise-sensitive environments. In addition, concerns about the risk of cross-contamination and employee injury will drive sales of products with advanced features and improved ergonomic design. More rapid gains will be restrained by market maturity in manual cleaning products and bags and containers, as well as by competition from lower-cost imports.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03186372-summary/view-report.html

Performance Industrial, formerly called Americlean, has purchased Albany-based Key Flooring Systems

IJCSA - — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:47:32 GMT

SOUTH GLENS FALLS | Performance Industrial, formerly called Americlean, has purchased Albany-based Key Flooring Systems, previously known as Key Equipment.

South Glens Falls-based Performance Industrial has frequently used Key Flooring as a sub-contractor in the past.

A purchase price was not disclosed. Performance Industrial will operate the Albany store as a satellite office, according to a prepared statement.

Performance Industrial will continue to offer the same range of customized epoxy flooring options Key Flooring provided for warehouses and manufacturing spaces, commercial kitchens, laboratories and clean rooms, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, locker rooms and other projects. The Albany location will enable Performance Industrial to service its industrial cleaning and painting customers in Albany and the surrounding counties more efficiently.

Source: PostStar

CDC Releases New Flu Recommendations

IJCSA - — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:44:40 GMT

New flu recommendations for the upcoming season are out and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is suggesting everyone gets vaccinated by October.

It’ll be another five months before flu season peaks in Wisconsin, and another two before we usually start seeing the first case. But pediatricians are getting their vaccines ready as early as August 12, and asking you to act now.

Dr. John Edwards, an Appleton pediatrician, says, “If we can get vaccines going in August and September, it helps maximize the protection the patients will get.”

CDC recommendations released this week encourage everyone, especially kids and seniors, to get vaccinated by October.

“The strains that are in the vaccine will be the same all season,” says Dr. Edwards. “They were the same last year, too, so that wouldn’t change throughout the course of the season.”

He says it wall also last all season.

But last year, the vaccine was only about 20 percent effective, while it’s usually around 40 percent effective.

This year, scientists altered the vaccine once again to try and better prevent strains they’re predicting, based on what they’ve seen around the world.

Mary Dorn, at Outagamie County Public Health says, “But we have to remember that flu vaccine isn’t always to prevent us from disease, it’s to prevent how ill we get, prevent hospitalizations and to prevent death.”

The CDC includes other changes this year:

– Two to eight year olds are recommended either the shot or nasal spray vaccine.

– There is a new 4-strain injection available.

– There is a needle-less injection option for adults

Doctors say whatever way you choose, get the vaccine before flu season sneaks up on you.

More Info At CDC

Find a biohazard cleaning service here.

Mom grieving after son's suicide is upset that cleaning company threw his stuff away

IJCSA - — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 18:04:14 GMT

MILFORD, Ohio - A grieving mother wanted to get her son's belongings back after his suicide. But the company cleaning out his apartment threw his stuff away without her permission, she says.

Now, Jessica Dixon hasn’t just lost her son. With his computer gone, she says she has lost her connection to his heart and soul.

"He wrote songs. He wrote poetry. He was starting to write a book. It was insight into my son's heart," she said.

She's not about to let that drop, either.

Dixon said her son, 21-year-old Bruce Lyons, ended his life with a gun in his apartment at 1100 Cook Crossing Drive.

"He was discovered on Friday morning, Aug. 7, around 10 a.m.," she said.

She expected Bruce's personal belongings would be returned. But when she asked, Calloway Cleaning and Restoration told her "everything's been disposed of," she said.

"I'll never know the full impact of what Calloway stole from us on that computer," Dixon said.

She made contact with Konrad Kircher, Calloway's attorney. She told him he was being recorded.

"Certain property had to be disposed of because of the health risks and the contamination," Kircher told her during a taped phone conversation.

More at source: WCPO

Have A Safe & Fun Labor Day Weekend!

IJCSA - — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 13:48:00 GMT

Janitorial workers set to rally in Boston for higher wages

IJCSA - — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 11:57:38 GMT

Janitors at the Boston offices of WeWork Companies Inc., a New York-based co-working space company with a $10 billion valuation, are staging a rally Monday afternoon to promote "fair pay."

The event, called "Rally for Good Cleaning Jobs at WeWork," is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. outside the WeWork South Station location at 745 Atlantic Ave., and is being organized by 32BJ, a property service worker's union with 18,000 members in Massachusetts.

Janitors who clean WeWork's offices in Boston are being paid about $10 an hour with "few, if any, meaningful benefits," according to a release from 32BJ. They're advocating for similar office-space cleaning jobs that get paid $17 an hour.

From their release:

WeWork, the hip co-working start-up, valued at $10 billion by investors, likes to brand itself as 'a space, community, and services you need to make a life, not just a living.' Apparently, in Boston this doesn’t apply to the contracted cleaners who pick up after the darling of the sharing economy who will be rallying in the Financial District on Monday to tell WeWork to use a responsible cleaning contractor that pays fair wages that meet the industry standard.

More at source: Biz Journals

Find a janitorial service here.

Former Janitor Says He Poured Chemicals Down The Drain

IJCSA - — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 11:42:40 GMT

A former employee at a San Diego County specialty food company said his supervisor ordered him to dump chemicals in public drain.

Marcos Estes, an ex-janitor at Fresh Creative Foods in Vista, told NBC 7 Investigates he shot video of the July 15 incident on his cellphone.

His boss allegedly ordered him and his co-workers to dump the partial contents of 75 chemical containers in a drain at the company’s warehouse on Birch Street. Estes said he had no training in chemicals or waste disposal.

“At the time, I didn't realize how dangerous the chemicals were," Estes told NBC 7 Investigates.

He said those chemicals burned his skin, damaged his lungs and harmed a co-worker who helped him get rid of the substances. Estes started recording the dumping when he realized the chemicals could injure people and were a danger to the environment.

"This stuff got inside the gloves, inside my boots, and burned my hands, burned my feet and my knee, my back and my shoulder,” he said.

More at source: NBC San Diego

Find A Janitorial service here.

Ex-janitor files sexual harassment suit against school district

IJCSA - — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 12:12:07 GMT

HUDSON, Mass. —A former Hudson elementary school janitor is suing the school district, claiming her boss ignored her complaints that she was being sexually harassed by a co-worker.

Sandra Nguyen, who worked for more than nine years at the Farley School, alleges her supervisor failed to take action when she complained that a colleague was showing up to work intoxicated, leering at her and making explicit comments about her body, MetroWest Daily News reported Thursday.

Nguyen, who was fired by the school district last year, claims she then faced retaliation from her superiors for speaking out about her treatment and for raising concerns about the behavior of another custodian.

In a lawsuit filed earlier this year in Middlesex Superior Court, Nguyen claims she suffered "substantial emotional and financial harm" as a result, including loss of wages and benefits. She is seeking at least $28,000 in back wages, as well as attorneys' fees and exemplary and punitive damages.

More at source: WCVB

Find A Janitorial service here.

Sunshine cleaning company accused of cheating on minority business requirements

IJCSA - — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 11:24:45 GMT

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -

A company with a big contract to clean the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is accused of misleading county officials and shortchanging minority businesses in the process.

When the Broward County Commission awarded Sunshine Cleaning a $62 million janitorial contract at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, the firm promised to spread 30 percent of that wealth to small and minority companies to fulfill its obligations under the County Business Enterprise program.

But the company then created a scheme to mislead the county regarding minority participation, according an Office of Inspector General report issued Wednesday, claiming in reports filed with the county that it provided nearly $11 million in business to those small companies, but in reality only giving about $660,000 in business to them.

Video and more at source: Local 10

Russia wiping U.S. detergents off store shelves

IJCSA - — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:15:02 GMT

MOSCOW -- Russian authorities have begun to remove foreign brands of detergent and washing powder from stores, claiming that they pose health risks.

The Consumer Protection Agency said in a statement on Tuesday that recent inspections of selected goods by top foreign brands such as Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble have found high levels of toxic ingredients.

Moscow extended its ban earlier this month on selected food imports from the EU and other countries. Russia, however, has not banned the imports of detergent and washing liquid and most of the producers mentioned by the agency have production facilities in Russia.

More at source: CBS

200 protest termination of janitorial workers at Teva Pharmaceuticals

IJCSA - — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:06:35 GMT

“They came to work every single day and performed their jobs well,” said Daisy Cruz, Mid-Atlantic District leader for the Service Employees International Union-affiliated 32BJ, which represents property service workers. “They did nothing wrong. This was a decision based on numbers, they are not looking at the lives they have affected.”

Estela Rios worked five years as a day porter for Teva, earning $14.50 an hour with benefits washing windows and keeping the lobby and bathrooms clean. Through an interpreter, Rios said that on March 13, she and nine of her coworkers were unexpectedly told it would be their final week of employment.

“They suddenly changed contracts, there was no warning that this would be happening,” Rios said. “We have not heard from them since we left.”

After five months of emails, phone calls and letters with no response, Rios and her former coworkers walked to the main gate Thursday in an attempt to meet with Teva officials face-to-face. Led by Cruz, they were met at the front entrance by a Teva representative who did not identify himself. He would not allow the group past security and advised them to use the contact information on the website to communicate with the company executives.

More at source: Bucks County Courier

Norcal Floor Services, Inc. cited for wage theft

IJCSA - — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:53:16 GMT

SACRAMENTO – Norcal Floor Services, Inc., a North Highlands based janitorial service that had contracts with several area markets, has been hit with citations totaling $459,573 for wage theft. Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su issued the citations after a nearly two-year investigation and audit of the company that alleges they paid 12 workers, many of them recent immigrants from El Salvador, an average wage of $7.53 per hour. California’s minimum wage ranged from $8 to $9 per hour during that period.

The investigation and audit alleges that managers threatened to fire workers who complained about working up to seven days in a row every week, for up to 9 hours a day, without breaks of any kind.

A few of the janitors contacted the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund (MCTF), a janitorial watchdog organization, about the workplace abuses. MCTF helped them file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office.

The citations against Norcal Floor Services include $456,073 for unpaid minimum wages and overtime, liquidated damages and rest and meal period premiums. The Labor Commissioner also assessed $3,500 in penalties for violating overtime, minimum wage, rest and meal period requirements, and for failing to provide itemized wage statements. The janitors’ payments range from $560 to $81,915, based on the amount of time worked during the investigation period.

More at source: CVBJ

Spilled cleaning product in confined area cause of unusual odor at Jefferson Hospital

IJCSA - — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 13:12:24 GMT

The source of an unusual odor at Jefferson Hospital Monday night was determined to be a spilled cleaning product, a spokeswoman for the hospital said.

Spokeswoman Candy Williams said staff alerted the fire department to an unusual smell in the hospital around 9 p.m.

Crews discovered shortly after that the source of the smell was a cleaning product that spilled in a storage room on the same floor as the operating rooms, Allegheny Health Network Media Relations Director Dan Laurent said.

Williams said as of 10 p.m., the spill had been cleaned up, but firefighters remained at the scene to help with ventilation.

At no time were there any evacuations or impact on patient care, Williams said.

Source: WPXI

Embarrassing! - Matt

What's the Best Method for Cleaning Hospital Rooms?

IJCSA - — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 17:25:51 GMT

Concerns about hospital "superbugs" have spotlighted the need to prevent the spread of germs in health-care settings. But a new report reveals a disturbing lack of knowledge on something as basic as proper cleaning of a patient's room.

Very little research addresses the best ways to disinfect and sanitize the hard surfaces in a hospital room, investigators report in the Aug. 11 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

"We basically found that there are studies available to guide actions, but there are much fewer than you might expect for such an important issue," said lead author Dr. Craig Umscheid, an assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

At any given time, about one in every 25 hospital patients has an infection they got from being at a hospital, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An estimated 721,000 health care-related infections occurred in 2011, which led to about 75,000 deaths, the authors noted in background information.

Hand-washing receives much attention for preventing the spread of germs, but disinfecting the hard surfaces in an examination room or hospital suite can be just as important, Umscheid said. Many dangerous germs are spread by touching counters, floors, tray tables, bed rails, IV pulls, light switches, toilets, and even call buttons.

Many experts believe that only 50 percent of surfaces are typically disinfected during cleaning of a patient's room, according to background notes.

For this report, researchers reviewed 80 studies published between 1998 and 2014.

The investigators found only five randomized, controlled trials that explored the best ways to disinfect surfaces. Most were before/after studies, in which germs were measured on a surface before and after a cleaning product had been used.

Fewer than 35 percent of the studies focused on infection rates or spread of disease due to unclean surfaces, the researchers said.

They also found that most studies only examined the effectiveness of a single cleaning product or method, rather than comparing it against others.

More at source: WEBMD

www.officemdsofatlanta.com

Gwinnett County Jail Break Challenge - Sponsored By Office MD's

A. Quincy Sellassie — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 02:26:10 GMT

Office MD's of Atlanta Sponsors Gwinnett County Sheriff's 3rd Annual Obstacle Course Race. It was a fun filled battle and Office MD's was there to support the county.

Office MD's of Atlanta is an up and coming janitorial company making waves in the Health & Wellness field. Our primary clients range from physicians, to clinical, sports medicine, chiropractic, family practices and multi-medical buildings...

Member: International Janitorial Cleaning Services Assoc..

Visit our website:

http://www.jailbreakchallenge.org

Welcome To New Members!

IJCSA - — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 15:28:34 GMT

DeForest Janitorial Cleaning Service David DeForest	(618) 236-1801 or (618) 789-1496	Belleville Illinois United States
Houston's Elite Building Cleaning Professionals Carolyn Conway	8324236300	Houston Texas United States
EMCOL Cleaning Service Olugbenga Ajayi	8176911595	Arlington Texas United States	http://www.emcolcleaning.com/ https://twitter.com/EmcolCleaners
Ally Veteran Solutions Inc JeDawn Kennedy	7167127792	Amherst New York United States	Ally Veteran Solutions Inc http://www.allyveteransolutions.com
BlueField Cleaning Systems Terrance Edmond	832-989-9429	Houston Texas United States
Diamond Glo Cleaning Solutions David Jenkins	302-304-5568	Bear Delaware United States

UNO to outsource janitorial and grounds work, saving money but putting 80 jobs in jeopardy

IJCSA - — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 18:22:45 GMT

The University of New Orleans plans to outsource its building services work this fall, a cost-cutting measure that the cash-strapped Lakefront school expects will save more than $1 million in five years at the expense of nearly 80 workers whose jobs are thrown into question.

It’s the latest in a series of moves that UNO has taken in recent years to trim expenses after years of steep funding cuts and declining enrollment.

UNO spokesman Adam Norris said Wednesday that affected employees were notified about the possible change two weeks ago. The Building Services Department includes janitorial and grounds employees.

Norris said 66 classified employees, those covered by Civil Service, and 10 unclassified employees will be affected.

“The reason we’re doing this is to run the university more efficiently and yet do it in a way that doesn’t sacrifice the quality of our academics or the quality of our student experience,” he said.

UNO officials haven’t decided yet who among the unclassified employees will be retained. It also hasn’t hired a contractor to take over the work.

UNO is expected to require the chosen company at least to interview the displaced employees, though there are no guarantees that they will be offered employment. “We’re hopeful, and we would expect, that many of those employees would be able to continue,” Norris said.

UNO has scheduled an Aug. 20 job fair on campus to help the affected employees find jobs, he said.

Norris pointed to the school’s bookstore as another example of a service that the school has outsourced in recent years.

As the school looks for ways to save money, the UNO faculty spent much of last year looking at ways to trim costs among its 80 degree programs, determining which areas should be shored up and which should be restructured or eliminated.

UNO President Peter Fos eventually recommended eliminating six academic programs, one department and 22 faculty and staff positions in a push to save $1 million this academic year and $2.8 million next year.

Since taking the helm in 2012, Fos has eliminated at least 140 positions.

Source: World News Advocate