Manufacturing is an essential part of the global economy; without it, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things you take for granted. With the constant use of heavy machinery, factories are bound to get dirty. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you look after everyone’s health and safety and keep on top of the cleaning. This is coming under increasing scrutiny due to the global pandemic and the need to demonstrate cleanliness. If you’re looking for ways you can stay on top, then you have come to the right place.
Regular Equipment Maintenance and Cleaning
There is a lot of expensive and important equipment in factories, and keeping them well maintained is important. Your machinery will run safer and last longer if it is cleaned regularly. To do this, you will need to make sure your staff are trained properly and have the correct equipment. Some messy jobs can be made easier and safer by investing in a metalworking industrial vacuum. Further, due to the hazardous environment, make sure that you provide your staff with the correct PPE.
Staff Training
It is reported that 27% of work-related injuries are caused by slips, trips, and falls. You can reduce your contribution to this statistic by making sure that your facility is clean and safe.
Training your employees to constantly be alert and aware of their surroundings will go a long way. You can teach them to get into the habit of reporting and hazards they come across straight away, meaning you can act swiftly to prevent accidents. Further, you can get your employees into the attitude of fixing some hazards themselves rather than leaving it to the next person, which will only prolong the danger.
Organization is Key
When designing a manufacturing facility, organization should be a top priority. Ensuring that everything your employees could need has a designated and sensible home will help you to encourage and keep a clean workplace. Not only will this increase productivity but it will reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Minimized Movements
We’ve taken a look at how important it is to keep the factory clean from physical hazards, but what about people? When your employees are hard at work, the last thing you want is to cause accidents because pathways are overcrowded. When you are laying out your factory, make sure that the distance between work areas is as short as possible. This will mean that groups assigned to certain jobs will not need to travel far away from their area.
A Note on Covid-19
Cleaning should always have been a top priority, but it is even more so now. Ensure you have your back covered by providing your staff with PPE, soap, and sanitizers all in abundance, and provide ample signage about handwashing procedures.
As you can see, there is a lot involved in maintaining a clean workplace. The most important aspect to take away is that it takes a full team to ensure constant cleanliness, so instill this into your workforce.
