Admittedly, janitorial work is not the most glamorous work one could do. It probably ranks up there in the realm between plumbing and coal miner. But just like plumbing and coal mining, although it’s a filthy job, somebody’s gotta do it. And like my father used to tell me, ‘if you’re going to do a job you might as well do it right’. So while janitorial work is glamorous- it is absolutely essential. 

Whenever I hear the question arise about janitorial work and meagerness of it all I’m reminded of the trash collectors strike, The Great Garbage Strike, that happened in New York in 1968. Union workers, unhappy with wages and work conditions, decided to go on strike. Within days trash in the city was chest high. By the end of the strike, a brief nine days later, there was roughly 100,000 tons of trash overrunning the streets. A public health emergency was called and a resolution with the union workers was reached. 

The point here is that while janitorial work may not be the most thrilling work it absolutely essential. Janitors and the work they do keep our spaces and environment not just looking and smelling good but they help keep us healthy, which is a huge responsibility. Janitors are responsible in many cases of doing the work others can’t do or won’t do. 

Trained professional janitors do so much more than simply take out the trash. Many are responsible for being knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens and their hazards in the workplace. Janitors must be aware of chemicals, how to use them, avoid certain mixtures, and what actions to take in the case of an emergency. They must be familiar with Safety Data Sheets, customer service, and many other skills. 

The next time you’re out and about look around. Pay attention to space you’re in. Often we take a clean space for granted. As if that virtually spotless area happened all on it own. We see a dirty space and recognize for what it is immediately. But with those same eyes we see a clean space and completely ignore what it took, and more importantly, who it took to clean that space. In all likelihood it took a janitor. A janitor doing an often thankless job to our lives just a little bit better and healthier. 

Janitorial Directory