Warehouse Housekeeping: The Key to a Safe and Efficient Operation

(i) In relation to warehouse operations, “housekeeping” refers to the steady maintenance of a state of cleanliness, orderliness, and safety in the warehouse environment. This maintenance may be extended to operational areas around (outside) the facility. Basic housekeeping operations include sweeping of aisles, emptying of bins, separation of waste, mopping of floors, inspection of shelving for overhangs, correct placement of appropriate packing materials, removal of clutter, and clearance of any obstructions, Housekeeping operations may also include essential health and safety checks, such as ensuring that first aid kits and fire-fighting equipment are correctly located and fit for use, visual inspections of cable and electrical outlets, adjustment of signage, and a general inspection of light, temperature, and noise conditions. Housekeeping operations are not directly value-additive, but because they facilitate the efficiency of the warehouse’s main operations, are not value-subtractive. Housekeeping in the context of warehousing constitutes a set of important operation-support routines that enable and sustain essential operations.

(ii) Warehouse housekeeping contributes to safe operations in the following ways: floors and work surfaces are kept dry and uncluttered, which reduces incidences of injury. Electrical shocks are prevented when obvious damage to electrical outlets and cables is noted, the equipment and sources are isolated, and the affected areas are cordoned off. Risk of head and limb injury is reduced by removal of obstructions, correct placement of equipment, and repositioning of goods that are overhanging from shelves. Dust and spillages are swept and wiped away to prevent slip hazards, contact injuries, harmful inhalation, and contamination of food or drink. Accidents can be reduced and awareness of accident risk increased by the appropriate usage and maintenance of signage. The presence of first aid kits, spill kits, and firefighting equipment that are routinely checked for readiness and correct location (housekeeping) provides operatives with reassurance and the immediate means to take measures to preserve their wellbeing in the event of accident or fire.