Keep Your Workplace Clean — Take Action Today

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Equipment dealers face many daily challenges, including general maintenance and housekeeping at business locations. As an owner and leader, it’s your job to prioritize safety by ensuring cleanliness, providing training, and enforcing clear policies to prevent accidents, downtime, and costly claims.

Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk

Conducting regular inspections and walkthroughs of your business with a housekeeping checklist can help identify areas needing attention, which may help prevent potentially dangerous and costly accidents. 
In addition, employee training should be offered on a scheduled basis to show everyone how to actively maintain a safe work environment. This can include reminders to: 
• Follow cleaning schedules
• Understand how to use and store hazardous materials
• Report accidents immediately 
• Dispose of waste properly
• Store tools and equipment in designated spaces
• Follow posted signage 
• Ensure walkways and doorways are clear and free of obstructions
• Maintain equipment and tools
• Charge items with lithium-ion batteries in designated spaces using appropriate chargers

Evaluate Your Risk Management Plan

Take the time to annually review and update your risk management plan and policies to address new risks and technologies, and to ensure all staff are familiar with any updates. For example, with the rise of lithium-ion battery fires, educating your employees on safe practices can help prevent a devastating workplace fire.1
By maintaining a clean, obstruction-free environment, you can help reduce the risk of accidents, equipment failure, and unwanted downtime to protect your business and bottom line. Reach out to your local Federated® marketing representative to learn more.
1. International Association of Fire Fighters. Preventing Lithium-ion Battery Fires. https://www.iaff.org/news/preventing-lithium-ion-battery-fires/. Accessed 12/17/24.

JERRY LEEMKUIL is an equipment dealer specialist for Association Risk Management Services, Federated Insurance Company. For information, write to Jerry at jjleemkuil@fedins.com or call 1-507-455-5507.

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Some of the services referenced herein may be provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances and applicable laws.

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