How to Overcome Common Workplace Safety Mistakes with Unify’s IFM Solutions

Tags: facility manager, facility management in India, workplace safety

Every year, thousands of workers succumb to workplace injuries and accidents. Most of such accidents that injure employees are avoidable with the help of various health and safety programs. However, one program that is often overlooked for workplace safety is the facility management program.

Facility managers work closely with the workplace management and EHS associates to create a safer working environment and overcome safety obstacles. What are such safety obstacles? Below are some of the most common workplace safety obstacles and mistakes that facility management in India can help overcome.

Mistake 1: Skipping routine system inspection

Modern facilities employ a variety of systems to function well, such as the HVAC system, lifts and escalators, automated fire extinguishers, and a complex electrical grid. Failure to maintain it well can, in best cases, affect workplace productivity and comfort, but in the worst-case scenario, it can injure the employees.

For instance, unsecured wire connections may electrocute employees, or a faulty HVAC system can cause various diseases such as skin rashes, asthma, mould infestation, etc. A facility manager must ensure that these systems are regularly inspected and maintained to avoid workplace incidents.

Mistake 2: Overlooking workplace hygiene

Workplace hygiene is another primary source of employee discomfort and diseases. The use of harsh chemicals for cleaning may cause skin infections, contaminated washrooms can cause nausea or headaches, and wet floors may cause the employees to trip and fall.

Here, an ideal facility manager would implement a robust housekeeping and cleaning program to ensure utmost hygiene within the workplace. One may use organic cleaning products, regularly disinfect surfaces, clean the pantry and washrooms regularly, and keep the facility clean and dry.

Mistake 3: Disposing of waste improperly

Waste disposal is one of the primary woes of Indian organisations owing to lax waste management regulations. Here, a facility manager must ensure that all the waste is collected in designated zones (which are regularly cleaned). The same must be disposed of properly, and the housekeeping staff must use certified PPE kits and disposal bags.

Mistake 4: Lacking visual safety communication

Despite the most robust safety management and facility management programs, some workplace hazards—such as wet floors—may be unavoidable. The facility manager must then implement visual safety communications, such as signboards, to caution the employees.

For instance, if there is a naked wire hanging in the hallway and the technician is delayed, the manager must put a sign warning the employees of the bare wire instead of merely waiting for the technician to arrive.

Mistake 5: Neglecting safety technologies

Even the most high-tech facilities often overlook safety technologies. The organisation must adopt newer safety technologies within the workplace for the well-being of the employees.

For example, the organisation may use IoT to track the facility management program and employees; they must install soft lights that are easy on the eyes and prevent migraine attacks; or use sophisticated AI-based BMS systems to track the functions of critical systems like HVAC or plumbing.

As evident in the above points, facility managers can play a crucial role in workplace safety. Thus, organisations must work with the best facility management firm to ensure the utmost safety of their employees.

Unify is your ideal solution for safe and high-tech integrated facility management solutions. Contact us to know more about our integrated facility management services in India.