Generally speaking, warehouses are hazardous environments that pose a lot of risk to everyone that passes through them – whether that be employees, suppliers, contractors, guests, customers, etc. – due to the activity that goes on. Often, warehouses contain dangerous machinery, heavy units, shelves and sometimes substances that if handled incorrectly in the wrong hands can cause serious harm.
It’s important for warehouses to operate smoothly, without accident or injury, as this is the key to business success for all involved. In order for this to happen, a warehouse must take into account the following considerations.
Investing in an industrial floor scrubber will increase workplace productivity
When it comes to the smooth running of a warehouse, it’s of vital importance to maintain a clean and safe environment. Warehouses witness a lot of foot traffic during the day and the movement of small and large assets, storage and waste, as this can cause a build up of dirt and debris. If the floors are not regularly cleaned and cleared, it could cause obstructions which could slow down the running of the warehouse and also pose a problem to the safe operation of the warehouse. Above anything else, there should be no risk in terms of health and safety.
Industrial floor scrubbers are a necessity in a warehouse due to their ability to clean large floor areas like warehouse floors quickly and efficiently. Industrial cleaners are incredibly high-powered – powered either by battery, petrol, diesel or LPG – and are designed to sweep and scrub small and large spaces and facilities, including shops, restaurants, airports, runways, factories, warehouses and more. They come in a range of sizes to suit a range of spaces, and are available in both ride-on and walk-behind variations.
If a space is considerably large – like a large warehouse – a high-powered ride-on floor scrubber is the perfect tool for the job, as it is high-powered, has great maneuverability, and can cover a greater expanse of surface much quicker than if the job was done manually. When used in a warehouse, the cleaning process is sped up greatly, meaning that health and safety regulations are reached and that operations can run more efficiently.
Put the right safety measures in place
Health and safety is the most important consideration when running a warehouse; a warehouse can not operate well if the premises is not safe.
Firstly, it is essential by law that all warehouses are fitted with the proper safety barriers and rails. In warehouses, where there are a number of elevated platforms, high storage ledges and stairs, there is a risk that people who use the space could be victim to falls. This risk encompasses all of those who use the space, including, for example, the employees who are operating large heavy machinery, customers who may slip on the stairs, and suppliers who pick up and drop off goods in the wrong area of the warehouse due to bad instruction and a lack of signage.
Therefore, it should be a top priority to fit out a warehouse with the right guard rails, barriers, anti-slip tape and clear signage that indicates to employees, suppliers and guests alike where the toilets, bins, kitchen and more are. Doing so will dramatically lessen the risk of fall, injury and obstruction of dangerous goods.
Another way to adhere to lawful safe and healthy standards, and speed up warehouse operations, is to ensure that there is always at least one full-stocked First Aid kit in the premises, as well as portable kits on offer. Accidents occur in the workplace, especially in facilities where large goods and dangerous substances are handled, but with a First Aid kit close nearby, accidents can treat minor injuries.
A First Aid kit should include:
- Bandages
- Plasters
- Gauze dressings
- Eye dressings
- Sticky tape
- Painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Skin rash cream
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Alcohol-free wipes
- Distilled water for cleaning wounds
- Thermometre
- Antiseptic cream
- Cough medicine
- Eye wash
- Antihistamine
It’s important for every First Aid kit is stocked up, but it is also important that all the people who work at the warehouse have sufficient training in First Aid and are knowledgeable about how to treat minor injuries in case of an accident, and when the accident requires the help of emergency services.
As well as ensuring that warehouse workers have access to a fully-stocked First Aid kit at all times, they should also be equipped with appropriate clothing and tools. Safety clothing that should be on offer depend on the operations and activities that go on in the warehouse, but the main pieces of clothing include:
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Eyewear
- High-vis vests
- Face shields
- Knee pads
- Ear protection
- Respiratory protection
- Steel toe caps
With access to the right safety clothing, there is less risk of accident or injury when operating large machinery, moving large assets and handling possibly harmful substances, workers can get their jobs completed quickly and efficiently, and the running of the warehouse will be smooth.
Conclusion
When it comes to running a successful business that surpasses its targets and beats out the competition to secure business and achieve ROI, operation within the business must be smooth.
To ensure the smooth running of a warehouse – a space that can serve as the hub of supplies and goods that are distributed to retailers, wholesalers and customers – health and safety considerations must be considered, and cleaning should not be overlooked.
Firstly, First Aid kits must be accessible on-site and fully-stocked; employees should be educated on First Aid basics and how to act in case of an emergency; the warehouse should be clearly signposted to speed up operation and minimise the risk of danger; and safety clothing and tools should be presented to the workers so that they can carry out their work properly.
In addition to the safety requirements, owners of a warehouse space must also never underestimate the importance of a clean space when looking to improve warehouse operations. Therefore, an industrial cleaning machine is the only option for a large warehouse space, and will aid warehouse procedures.
