Winter-Proof Your Facility: Essential Tips for Health & Safety

As winter quickly approaches with the potential for harsh weather conditions across the nation, it’s crucial for facility maintenance teams to prepare in advance. Effective facility management is essential for creating a safe and healthy environment where people can work, learn, and maintain their daily routines.

By implementing proper floorcare and pathogen control strategies, your building and its occupants will be well-equipped for the winter season ahead.

Preventing Injuries with Effective Floorcare

With freezing temperatures and melting snow, trip and fall hazards can become a serious concern. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to mitigate these risks is to install an entryway matting system.

Invest in high-quality scraper mats for both the exterior and interior of your entrances. These mats should be long enough to allow individuals to take 3 to 4 steps on them before stepping onto the regular flooring. Additionally, consider using wiper mats, anti-fatigue mats, and safety mats to cover all your floorcare safety needs.

Here Are Four Signs You’ve Got the Right Entryway Mats:

1. Prevents Soil and Water Ingress: Effective mats combine scraping and wiping capabilities to trap soil and moisture right at the door.
2. Contains Soil and Water: Good entryway mats should keep dirt and water confined to the mat, preventing them from spreading to the surrounding floor and creating slip hazards.
3. Minimizes Tracking: Mats with bi-level construction provides a surface for walking while having a lower area to store soil and moisture until they can be cleaned.
4. Ensures Slip Resistance: The underside of the mat should be slip-resistant to prevent it from shifting when walked on.

Bonus Tip: Use deicers to effectively manage snow and ice, ensuring safe and accessible entrances.

Promote Enhanced Hand Hygiene

With 80% of infectious diseases spread by touch, clean hands are crucial. Encourage occupants to practice the 1-2-3 of Hand Hygiene: wash, dry, and sanitize!

Implement Comprehensive Surface Cleaning

Regularly clean surfaces to reduce the presence of pathogenic microbes, creating a healthier environment.

Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Targeted disinfection of frequently touched surfaces can significantly reduce the transfer of harmful pathogens.

Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate use of PPE protects cleaning staff from exposure to health risks while maintaining a clean facility.

Control Indoor Biological Pollutants

Identify and manage sources of indoor pollutants to minimize exposure and create a healthier building environment.

Invest in Cleaning Expertise and Training

Proper training ensures that cleaning and disinfecting solutions are used effectively, enhancing overall safety and health.

If you’re looking to enhance health and safety at your facility this winter, it’s not too late! Contact us today to discover best-in-class facility care solutions that will prepare your business for whatever winter brings. ⬇️