Facility cleanliness is a fundamental component of building operability and safety, and occupant health and wellness.
The Importance of a Clean and Safe Warehouse
Ongoing enhanced cleaning and maintenance protocols benefit the warehouse industry in several ways, including:
- Encouraging increased team productivity.
- Leading to more efficient inventory management.
- Eliminating waste.
- Preventing health and safety issues.
- Reducing maintenance costs and;
- Representing company professionalism. [1]
Common Warehouse Health and Safety Challenges
The most common health and safety issues found in warehouses include:
- Falls - Falls are the leading cause of injury in warehouses, accounting for about 30% of all accidents. Falls can occur from ladders, platforms, or even from the ground.
- Slips and trips - Slips and trips are another common cause of warehouse injury, accounting for about 20% of all accidents. Slips and trips can occur on wet or oily floors or uneven surfaces.
- Manual lifting and handling - Manual lifting and handling can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back pain, shoulder pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. MSDs are a leading cause of disability in the workplace.
- Exposure to hazardous materials - Warehouses may store or use dangerous materials, such as chemicals, fuels, and compressed gases. Exposure to these materials can cause various health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and cancer.
- Fires - Fires are a serious hazard in warehouses, as they can spread quickly and cause significant damage. Warehouses should have fire prevention plans in place, and employees should be trained on how to respond to fires.
- Electrical hazards - Warehouses should have electrical systems that are adequately maintained and grounded. Electrical hazards can cause shock, burns, and fires.
- Machinery hazards - Warehouses use a variety of machinery, such as forklifts, conveyor belts, and presses. These machines can pose a severe risk if they are improperly operated and maintained. [2]
Fundamental Requirements for Ensuring a Clean and Safe Warehouse Working Environment
- Regular cleaning and sanitation - This includes the removal of particulate matter, dust, dirt, and other contaminants from surfaces, floors, and equipment. It also consists of the proper disposal of waste materials.
- Proper ventilation - This is achieved by introducing fresh air into the warehouse and removing stale air. This helps to reduce the concentration of dust, fumes, and other pollutants in the air, which can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
- Adequate lighting - This is achieved by using sufficient artificial lighting to ensure that all warehouse areas are well-lit. This helps to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
- Proper labeling - This is achieved using unambiguous labels to identify hazardous materials and other potential hazards. This helps prevent accidents by ensuring that employees are aware of the risks associated with these materials and hazards.
- Safe storage of materials - This is achieved by properly stacking and organizing materials to prevent falls, fires, and other hazards. It also includes the appropriate storage of hazardous materials in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) - This includes using safety glasses, gloves, masks, and other protective gear to protect employees from hazards such as dust, chemicals, and falls.
- Employee training - Includes training employees on the importance of workplace safety and preventing accidents. It also includes training employees on properly using cleaning products, PPE, and other safety equipment.
Additional Warehouse Hygiene and Safety Tips
Follow these tips to maximize occupant health and safety outcomes:
Use Proper Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal, and some can be more harmful to employees' health than others.
It is essential to use cleaning products that are specifically designed for use in warehouses and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Waste materials, such as broken glass, chemical spills, and food waste, can pose a severe hazard if not disposed of properly.
It is critical to have a system in place for disposing of waste safely and effectively.
Inspect the Warehouse Regularly
It is crucial to inspect the warehouse regularly for safety hazards.
This includes looking for things like loose or damaged equipment, uneven surfaces, and obstructed walkways.
Any hazards that are found should be corrected immediately.
Train Employees on Safety Procedures
Employees should be trained on the importance of workplace safety and how to prevent accidents.
This training should cover topics such as proper lifting techniques, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and fire safety. [3]
References
- Importance of a Clean and Organized Warehouse. (2020, December 11). Beyond Warehousing | 3PL | Edgerton, KS. https://www.beyondwarehousing.com/warehousing/importance-of-a-clean-and-organized-warehouse/
- Noria Corporation. (2018, April 25). 5 Warehouse Safety Hazards and How to Prevent Them. Reliableplant.com; Noria Corporation. https://www.reliableplant.com/Read/31155/warehouse-safety-hazards
- Warehouse Safety: Top 8 Hazards and How to Deal with Them. (2019). SafetyCulture. https://safetyculture.com/topics/warehouse-safety/
Takeaway
A clean and safe warehouse is essential for the health and safety of employees and the security of operations.
Ongoing enhanced cleaning and maintenance protocols can help prevent health and safety issues, reduce maintenance costs, and represent company professionalism.
Outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding highly in-demand cleaning and sanitization services and experience for a fraction of the price of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
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