Strategies for Building a Forward-Thinking Safety Culture
As a leader in the facility services industry, UG2 knows that facilities teams must be equipped to handle every possible scenario they may encounter. Mitigating risks that could lead to injuries is crucial for the safety of all building occupants, as well as ensuring smooth operations.
In a recent article in IFMA’s Facility Management Journal, Adam Rabesa, Director, Environmental Health & Safety at UG2, highlights the importance of expecting the unexpected.
Adam provides tips and strategies for facility services teams to stay prepared and limit the potential of risks, injuries, and liabilities.
It All Stems From the Brain
Our brains have two systems; one handles automated behavior, and one controls slower, more deliberate processes. Adam explains that sometimes the latter system can cause us to tune out the potential for danger. Injuries can arise when people are performing routine tasks, where they might not be as attentive.
Stress Exacerbates Mindlessness
In the facility services industry, demands and pressure to problem-solve quickly can cause stress. This can result in workers taking unsafe shortcuts, which could lead to injuries. Adam explains that when stress is frequently prevalent, cognitive functioning can be hindered, such as the ability to actively focus on tasks, which can put workers at risk.
Building a Proactive Safety Culture
Management teams must make it a priority to mitigate risky behavior by establishing a safety-first culture. Adam stresses that leaders must make it clear that safety is more important than doing things fast and not penalize workers who take longer to do a task if they are doing it safely.
Safety should also be incorporated into meetings or routine interactions to remind employees of best practices. It is also beneficial to remind tenants and visitors of safe practices to instill a safe environment.
Mitigating Slips, Trips, and Falls
Improving Floor Safety
Although facilities teams cannot prevent floors from being free of hazards 24/7, they can make an impact by being involved in the selection of a building’s flooring during construction or renovations. Facilities teams are also more familiar with the best cleaning agents for the material and if the flooring aligns with the needs of the environment.
Additionally, Adam explains that The Coefficient of Friction (COF) is another factor to consider. The level of friction an object has against a material will be determined by the chemicals used to clean it and the frequency of cleaning. COF meters can aid in measuring the risk of slips and falls.
Educating on Best Methods to Transport Packages
To prevent injuries when moving heavy loads, Adam suggests limiting the number of times packages are transported. Try implementing a system where recipients of large packages collect them at designated areas. Employees should also be trained on the suitable equipment for transporting packages in various settings.
Using Caution with Inclement Weather
Implementing signage for ice alerts, wet areas, and places where people should reduce speed can help mitigate risk in poor weather conditions. Additionally, encourage people to utilize umbrella bags and handrails, and keep walkways and parking areas clear of snow and ice.
Safely Interacting with Building Occupants
Although it might be facility workers’ instinct to respond to customers’ concerns immediately, safety should be the top priority. Adam suggests that staff ask customers to wait while they complete a task so that it can be done safely.
Be Extra Attentive in Back-of-House Spaces
Low-visibility areas, where customers don’t go, are sometimes less maintained than those in the front of the house. Janitorial teams must remember to pay attention to these spaces and ensure safety and cleanliness.
All in all, preparedness is key when it comes to limiting the number of risks facilities teams and tenants might encounter. By instilling effective strategies and habits, teams can proactively address the inevitable challenges that arise within the facility services industry.
Contact UG2 today to learn how we can prioritize safety and customer satisfaction at your facility.