Poorly maintained commercial premises could lead to employee and visitor accidents, increasing a business’s chances of litigation and damaging its reputation. Moreover, poorly maintained buildings could be left without vital services, hindering business operations. Spring is a good time to conduct pressing upkeep tasks to remedy any building defects caused by winter storms and proactively prepare for the warmer months.
Consider the following five commercial building spring maintenance tips:
- Test heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Thoroughly testing and robustly maintaining HVAC systems can minimize breakdowns, improve energy efficiency and ensure optimal working temperatures for employees. Organizations should thoroughly clean all HVAC components to remove built-up dirt and grime and test the unit’s airflow and general operating efficiency. In addition, all electrical components, including the thermostat and electrical wiring, should be tested.
- Conduct commercial boiler checks. Although a commercial building relies heavily on its boiler during winter, access to hot water is critical year-round for hygiene reasons, making boiler maintenance just as important in spring. Organizations should arrange a boiler service to prevent costly repairs and ensure staff safety.
- Inspect the business’s exterior. A well-maintained business exterior can prevent accidents and give customers a good first impression. Organizations should clean the outside of the building to remove grime and check for any cracks or signs of damage. In addition, organizations should look for potholes in the parking lot, loose paving stones, cracked window glass or hazardous branches and swiftly remedy any defects found. As snow and ice salting treatments can kill grass and flower beds, organizations should also review and improve landscaped areas.
- Assess water flow. Organizations should review the property’s plumbing to ensure optimal water flow and avoid problems associated with water damage. Specifically, building managers should drain cisterns, pipes, and other structures holding water that won’t be used in spring and summer. Additionally, gutters and downspouts should be inspected, and any debris should be removed to enable effective rainwater drainage.
- Address excess clutter. Several studies have shown that excess clutter can be distracting and make it difficult to concentrate. As such, organizations should engage in decluttering efforts to create a professional working environment and increase staff focus and productivity. Moreover, reducing workplace clutter can reduce slips, trips, and associated workers’ compensation claims.
By proactively cleaning and maintaining commercial buildings this spring, organizations can facilitate smooth business operations, keep staff safe and avoid costly accidents.
For more workplace health and safety improvement and risk management strategies, call CMB at 780.424.2727 or click here to get a quote.