Amid the hustle and bustle of warehouse management, don’t let cleaning fall through the cracks
Warehouse environments can be incredibly busy places. Forklifts may be constantly moving in and out, pickers and packers are focused on filling their item targets, and logistics vehicles are on a mission to deliver our much-anticipated online orders. The hustle and bustle of everyday warehouse operations can lead to cleaning becoming a low priority for warehouse managers.
This blog post, however, aims to delve into why warehouse cleaning shouldn’t take a backseat in the world of warehouse management, and instead highlight the often-overlooked benefits of maintaining a spotless warehouse. This isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a safe and complaint environment where efficiency thrives.
Why warehouse cleaning may not be getting the attention it needs
Industrial managers are busy people, and warehouse managers are no exception. With the constant pressure to meet production targets, manage inventory, and optimise logistics, it’s understandable why cleaning may slip down the priority list. This is especially true when cleaning may require production to be stopped to allow access to hard-to-reach areas. The benefits of cleaning may be believed to be less tangible, as, of course, industrial spaces can become dirty again in a very short space of time. In an environment where every minute counts toward productivity metrics, allocating resources and time to cleaning may seem like an unnecessary luxury. It’s not a question of negligence; there often exists a cycle of addressing the most pressing issues, leaving less tangible but equally important aspects such as cleaning to fall by the wayside.
Some cleaning activities may take precedence over others
Of course, there are some types of cleaning that are an absolute necessity, such as staff room cleaning, washrooms, toilets and offices. Such spaces require daily cleaning to achieve an acceptable rate of hygiene for employees and personnel. These are areas where it is clearly recognisable when hygiene levels begin to drop.
However, other areas of a warehouse space may be overlooked when it comes to deep cleaning. These may include high level areas such as racking or lighting fixtures, which are clearly not easily seen day-to-day, or perhaps areas that are difficult to access, such as the external walls and roof of a warehouse space. While these areas are less urgent from a daily Health & Safety point of view, they will eventually accumulate layers of dust, dirt and grime if left for a period of weeks or months.
From this point of view, it is understandable that daily or weekly cleaning needs may take precedence over less accessible areas of a warehouse. However, it’s equally important for industrial managers to consider setting aside some time within your yearly schedule to tackle areas such as racking, ceilings, HVAC systems, high-level wall panels and other such areas.
Safety first: more than just a buzzword
The most obvious and important reason why warehouse cleaning is important is that it ensures that health and safety is maintained across your warehouse. Cleaning isn’t just about looking good – it’s a fundamental part of operational safety.
Of course, a significant goal of most industrial businesses is to reduce and avoid workplace accidents. This isn’t just about avoiding injuries; it’s also about preventing costly downtime, potential lawsuits, and maintaining a reputation as a responsible employer. With roller shutter doors constantly open and a steady stream of forklifts moving in and out, warehouses can quickly become hazardous environments if not properly maintained. Regular and deep cleaning helps eliminate slip and trip hazards, improves air quality, and ensures clear pathways for your staff to move around freely and safely.
Finding a balance between production and cleaning
It is clear that, within the world of supply chains and logistics, production is king. Industries of all sectors have targets to meet and quotas to fill, and this is yet another reason why warehouse cleaning may fall by the wayside. Industrial managers may be anxious that cleaning may disrupt their operations or production schedule.
For this reason, it is helpful to devise a yearly cleaning schedule that helps industrial managers identify their business’ quiet and busy periods. For instance, January-February may be slow months for clothing warehouses, while glass manufacturers may have a shutdown period over Christmas when manufacturing goods isn’t essential. Identifying these times may help reduce or avoid production downtime while you complete deep cleaning projects.
Treat cleaning as an investment
It’s crucial to view warehouse cleaning not as a cost to be minimised but as an investment in your business’ future. The bottom line is simple: you get what you pay for. Opting for the cheapest cleaning solution can often result in poor quality service that can result in you paying twice.
There are many long-term benefits of cleaning that boost ROI. For instance, regular cleaning can prevent breakdowns or malfunctions of equipment, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. This not only saves money but minimises downtime, allowing operations to run smoothly.
Moreover, a clean warehouse ensures that items are properly stored and protected from dust, dirt or pests, reducing the risk of damages or lost inventory and preventing financial losses for your business.
The benefits of warehouse cleaning
Warehouse cleaning can be a strategic investment in your business’ safety, compliance and productivity, especially when approached with your facility’s specific needs in mind. Scheduling both regular and less frequent deep cleans should be an integral part of any warehouse manager’s business strategy. It will sure your warehouse remains not just functional but also thriving.
About the author:
Leonie Leeder is the Marketing Manager for Kingfisher Industrial Services Ltd., an industrial cleaning and painting company that serves manufacturers, warehouses and industrial facilities across the UK.
