Modern warehouses are modern workplaces and need to be treated with respect.
The days where floors, aisles and dock areas are filled with debris, dust and dirt are gone – and not just for practical reasons. The safety of your employees is paramount – and a well run, safe, organised warehouse means productivity is maximised.
Clean facilities are a direct result of consistent leadership, which is why we have put together a few industry best practices to follow:
Assign each employee a zone of their work area that they’re responsible for maintaining and keeping clean. Communicate expectations and make it a job requirement to actively participate in cleaning their particular zone.
Keep cleaning supplies in areas that are easy for employees to access. An employee is less likely to clean if they have to walk the entire warehouse just to grab a mop. Place multiple rubbish bins around the warehouse and near popular working areas to encourage employees to throw away any rubbish. Make sure there’s always a stock of these cleaning items: mops, buckets, oil and fluid clean-up kits, bin bins, brooms and dust pans.
Inspect assigned areas on a weekly basis to ensure they’re kept clean. Use a rating sheet to track each employee's progress and success. Reward employees and develop incentives for keeping their areas clean.
Typical plate or surface-mounted bollards have exposed hardware that not only collect bacteria, but are also hazards. Replace those with these: FlexCore Bollard and Shock Absorbing Rack Guard. Look to install products that are easily removable so that you can clean under and around them when necessary and look for products with a 'wipe-clean' surface.
Remove and relocate outdated stock as it’s a magnet for dust and clutters your operations.
Now that you know how to lead the initiative in proper warehouse-keeping, you’re ready to start turning your facility into a clean, employee-friendly workplace.