The US is a powerhouse built on powerhouses. Since the Industrial Revolution, US innovation and manufacturing power has led the way on a global level – providing jobs domestically and internationally, furthering development of new technologies, and exporting products to practically every continent.
Good industrial practices are crucial to good industrial outcomes. As a foreman or manager in US industry, you will already be aware of the crucial factors in running a tight ship. Why is cleanliness up there amongst them, though?
Improved Safety
The key argument for implementing thorough and equitable safety practices within your premises relates to worker safety. Simply put: an untidy work environment is a dangerous one. There are many risks introduced by poor hygiene or cleaning standards, the most obvious of which is the risk of tripping or slipping on something that should not remain on a walkway or in a worker’s path.
In industrial environments where materials of any kind are being cut or otherwise abraded, the issue of particulate pollution also becomes apparent. Filtration systems should be running to remove particles from the air, but settled particles can be re-engaged by movement – creating localized risks for employees. Regular cleaning sessions, coupled with policies requiring workers to maintain their own stations, are key to creating a safer (and above all legal) environment.
Operational Effectiveness
A tidy warehouse or manufacturing floor is not just to the benefits of health and safety, though. There are also a number of operational advantages to keeping a clean house. For example, cluttered pathways and dirty machines can result in inefficient workdays, where more time is spent solving individual issues than completing tasks. This has positive knock-on impacts for man-hour costs and overheads.
There is also the simple fact that cleaner environments invite less injury. This has already been touched upon, but only from an ethical perspective. There is also a financial incentive to keeping a safe workforce, where fewer sick days or leave periods result in a more productive workforce.
Maintenance and Equipment Condition
Operationally speaking, there is little more important than the operationality of your industrial equipment. Such machines are designed to last, though can fail quicker as a result of atypical working environments. For hydraulic equipment and fossil-fueled machines, the presence of dirt and grime can dramatically impact their operational effectiveness – eventually leading to catastrophic failure.
While keeping ongoing accounts with suppliers like RS Americas can make maintenance and repairs smoother overall, a preventive approach will always be the best. Cleaning around machines regularly – as well as regularly dismantling and servicing them – can reduce the likelihood of unexpected failure.
Product Quality
All of the above considerations can combine, to create a conglomerated impact on the eventual quality of the products or services you provide. By reducing risk to workers, reducing risk of machine failure and reducing barriers to productivity, you give your business the best possible chance to shine.
