It’s important to maintain a tidy factory or warehouse facility for many reasons. A workplace that’s clean and free of clutter will promote a productive environment as well as adhere to health and safety regulations. Employers have a duty of care to ensure a workplace is safe for all staff and visitors and keeping it free from trip hazards is a major factor.
A clean and tidy workspace will also help create a good reputation for the company, especially if the site is visited by clients or customers.
We’ll take a look at ways in which to organise, clean and keep your warehouse or factory tidy, whatever industry you work in.
Organise workspaces
A well-designed warehouse will ensure all areas are organised to get the best out of your employees and make finding tools and equipment easy. Make sure every item has a place so it can be found easily and sort items in a logistic fashion. Workspaces should also be organised to reduce travel between stations, saving on time and productivity.
All employees should be informed of where everything is kept and stressed the importance of placing equipment in the correct location.
Declutter
A tidy workplace equals a tidy mind. But it also encourages safety and makes tasks a little easier to accomplish. Invest in good quality storage solutions, including a tool storage box, and clear space in your factory or warehouse.
Maintain a regular equipment maintenance and cleaning schedule
Encouraging regular cleaning of equipment will help reduce wear and tear damage over time and get the most out of your kit. Keep cleaning products on hand and give instruction on how to use them correctly.
Schedule in deep cleans and maintenance checks to ensure everything is running as it should be. Replace any worn parts as soon as possible to prevent accidents or lost time and, if necessary, get a professional in to inspect and sign off large, specialist equipment.
Train employees
Employers should make it a priority to train employees on all tools and equipment they’re likely to be using. They should also make sure staff have access to the equipment they need and the right kit to carry out their job properly.
Regular refresher courses should be offered, particularly if new machinery is being used or you introduce a different way of working. It’s also a good idea to provide manuals relating to machinery so workers can refer to the information if needed.
Following these tips should help create a safe, clean and workable environment, getting the most out of your staff and equipment and increasing productivity.
