Accidents happen. But many can be avoided by following some simple and easy walk in cooler safety recommendations.
Following these tips, you and your employees can safely work in and around your walk-in refrigerator or freezer with your mind at ease.
KEEP THINGS DRY.
Spills can cause accidental falls that lead to employee injury. Ice and frost build up can also melt and leave puddles that employees can slip in. Scrape any ice build up away to make surfaces less likely to cause injuries. Floor squeegees can help guide excess water into walk-in drains so that wet floors have a chance to dry. In addition, encourage any employees to wear rubber-soled shoes that help reduce the chance of slipping and falling.
REGULARLY CHECK SAFETY RELEASES ON DOORS.
Modern walk-in coolers & freezers come with safety releases on doors to avoid the risk of accidental entrapment. Employees locked inside a walk-in cooler are at risk of hypothermia or even death since temperatures can be below freezing. Be sure to regularly check safety releases to make sure they are functioning properly. Employees can also practice a buddy system when entering the walk-in to be extra cautious.
KEEP YOUR WALK-IN UNIT CLEAN.
Regularly cleaning your walk-in refrigeration systems lowers the risk of mold or fungus buildup. Exposure to mold can lead to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and other sinus troubles. Mold can harm employees as well as ruin inventory. Regularly cleaning your walk-in will help minimize the risk of mold exposure.
DON’T OVERLOAD SHELVES.
Not only does an over packed freezer become less efficient but overloaded shelves can collapse under the excess weight. Employees can have inventory items fall on top of them if shelves break or malfunction. Many shelves have a maximum weight that should not be exceeded. Protect your inventory and your employees by keeping your walk-in organized and do not fill it beyond capacity. Read more in our previous post on walk-in cooler & freezer organization.
OFFER EMPLOYEES JACKETS, HATS, AND GLOVES.
Cold weather garments can be stored near your walk-in unit so that employees can easily access them. Wearing these clothes and accessories lowers the risk of circulation problems for your employees and they will be more comfortable while working inside of the walk-in unit.
By following the steps above, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with your walk-in cooler. Day to day operations can run more smoothly and your employees will be safer at their place of employment.