Floor Marking Archives - Industrial Lean-News, Product Reviews, Lean Guides

Volunteers and Temps At Risk

Earlier this year, it was an honor to have our parent company, Creative Safety Supply support Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to open a new location in Seminole County, Florida. The floor marking tape Creative Safety Supply provided, enabled the workers at the location to create a safe, organized and pleasant experience for both shoppers and volunteers alike.

With the amount of volunteer organizations and temporary employees continuing to grow the need for collaborations like this are becoming more important by the day. Anytime you have new or unfamiliar faces in a facility the risk factors increase significantly, causing efficiency to decrease and chances of injury to increase. These are two things any organization can ill-afford to have take place, much less a non-profit. But with companies like Creative Safety Supply, help can be closer than you think.

There are currently 2.7 million temp workers currently employed in the U.S. Overall, almost one-fifth of the total job growth since the recession ended in mid-2009 has been from the temp sector.

ProPublica.org

Safety First

The first concern for any temporary employee or volunteer is their safety within the facility. Studies show that frequency and severity rates of on-the-job injuries are significantly higher with temporary workers. No matter the employee or volunteer’s experience you can never assume they can come into your facility and be safe without direction.

This is where the simplest, yet still overlooked tools can make a huge difference in the safety of the people and the overall efficiency of the organization. Here are just a few of the tools you can use to improve the safety and efficiency of your event or organization:

Even OSHA has recognized the risks of temp employees. They recently launched an initiative to protect temporary employees from workplace hazards. OSHA had received numerous reports of temporary workers suffering fatal injuries during the first days on the job and is hoping to put a stop to the trend as soon as possible. In most of the cases OSHA found that the employer had failed to provide safety training or inadequately addressed hazards in the workplace.

ProPublica cited similar information stating that temp workers in construction and manufacturing were twice as likely to be injured as regular staff doing the same work.

Reach Out

Many organizations simply don’t know where to start when it comes to designing labels or safety signage. This is another added benefit to teaming up with someone like Creative Safety Supply. Not only to they have a proven track record helping non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Oregon Food Bank, various schools and festivals, but also with hundreds of organizations, designing safety tools for all.

Having a professional handle your safety needs can help alleviate the stress from your staff, but also ensure that the quality and design will be just what you need to help any temp or volunteer remain safe and informed at all times.

From your most basic ideas to your most complex messages, safety should always be a priority. Whether it’s a enter/exit sign, to directing traffic in a specific direction, to important safety information, to communicating crucial messages to staff, every aspect of your safety process should be taken seriously.

The second most frequently cited violation by OSHA is hazard communication failure (a.k.a. -lack of safety signage). It also their ninth highest penalty offense, which isn’t cheap. Fines for serious offenses can reach up to $7,000 and for repeat violations, up to $70,000.

For example, Bacardi Bottling Corp. was cited by OSHA for 12 alleged safety violations following the death of a 21-year-old temporary worker in August, 2012. The proposed fines totaled $192,000 for the various safety violations (Bacardi is currently challenging the fines).

A worker’s first day at work shouldn’t be his last day on earth. Employers are responsible for ensuring the safe conditions of all their employees, including those who are temporary.

Dr. David Michaels- Asssistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA

Moving Forward

Don’t wait until it’s to late to ensure the safety of everyone in your organization, whether they’re a temp, volunteer, or a seasoned employee. If you’re an event planner or the head of a major organization, the benefits of visual safety tools are endless.Don’t be another OSHA statistic and take the initiative towards a safer workplace for all today.

Creative Safety Supply would love to hear about an upcoming event you’re planning. If you’re a non-profit organization and would like assistance in planning or need help with materials, reach out today to see what they can do to help.

Decluttering Your Workspace With 5S

Lean, Kaizen and 5S are not just for manufacturers

5S can create some hard divides between those who love and appreciate the peace and calm that order bring and those who, while not necessarily “loving” chaos and disorder, still feel more at home amidst piles of paper, missing tools such as staplers and rulers, etc.

The following video is an example of how many employees might feel when the corporate leadership decides that everyone must accept the new business philosophy of the day for their workplace – 5S.

Kyocera has dictated that their employees MUST clean up their act and implement the new 5S standards within their cubicle space. It’s a love-hate relationship, as you will see in the video:

Cluttered Cubicles Go Lean With 5S Rules
See how employees at Kyocera’s North American headquarters in San Diego declutter their cubicles by following a workplace organization practice known as 5S. WSJ’s Julie Jargon reports. (Oct. 26)

What do you think? How would YOU handle the dictates at work to suddenly bring order into the chaos of your own cubicle?

Would you like it? Would you comply? Or would you still persist with old, perhaps unproductive habits as were depicted int he video? Let us know below by writing down and sending us your thoughts.

Kaizen Event Implementation – The Manual

Kaizen Events and how to implement them

Because Kaizen is usually an event in itself, discussing the meaning and implementation of kaizen in a business setting, this book is both aptly titled as well as targeted. Making the kaizen event even more “kaizen-like” in it’s makeup is the direction of this writing by Geoffrey L. Mika.

The 292-page book begins with the history of kaizen, laying an impressive foundation and understanding of the roots of kaizen, meandering through about 30 pages discussing and presenting the various elements of kaizen.

Only then, after having built out a good understanding of the ins and outs does Mr. Mika then begin to actually get into the initial purpose of the book – to outfit the reader with a strong and useful manual for implementing a kaizen event.

Kaizen Event Implementation Manual
Geoffrey L. Mika, published 2006, 228 pages

Originally used by Toyota, kaizen is a results-oriented tool that fosters continuous improvement. In the United States, kaizen is usually an event of from three to five days in duration.

It is comprised of intensive improvement activities directed at specific areas of a business. The main goal of kaizen is the elimination of non-value-added activities (waste) through the implementation of one-piece flow, working to takt time, and instituting a pull system.

The mantra is to manufacture only what is needed by the customer, when it is needed, and in the quantities ordered. Kaizen has been shown to collapse lead times, dramatically reduce work in process, and reduce scrap and defects while minimizing the need for capital expenditures. Its successful results across industry are real, proven, documented, and confirmed!

The first step to implementing kaizen in any organization is to provide training on the Toyota Production System (TPS). The “Kaizen Event Implementation Manual,” Fifth Edition begins with this never-before documented training material, but goes further to explain why the TPS tools, including kaizen, must work in tandem with a new way of thinking to bring about cultural change. By thinking “lean” and applying kaizen, everyone in the organization is empowered to eliminate waste, in all of its forms, at all levels, all the time.Flexibility, simplicity and the quest for constant improvement become the driving goals.

Vital Guidelines To Follow When Using Aisle Markings

Aisle markings are a form of safety equipment that is placed on pathways used by customers or people in general, as well as forklifts or other equipment that needs to be confined or directed via these pathways to ensure safe passage for both equipment and people.

In other words, they are used to guide users and prevent hazards. There are certain guidelines that should be followed so as to ensure that the aisle markings are effective in conveying the messages required – stop, go left, go right, etc. These details are often very insignificant to the unprofessional eye but can lead to serious consequences if not followed.

It’s therefore important to ensure that you employ the services of a professional who is conversant with the safety measures and guidelines that need to be followed when installing aisle markings, depending upon the environment they are being placed in.

Again, the regulations are very important especially in areas with very high traffic. You can’t afford to overlook such guidelines and regulations. This is because you’ll reduce the effectiveness of the aisle markings and put workplace users in danger.

The Measurement Of The Aisle Marking Is Very Important.

It should be installed in an area where it can fit. Don’t for whatever reasons cut the original size of an aisle marking just because it doesn’t fit in the area it’s been designated to. You should either buy or cut the right size of aisle marking for a particular place. It’s also very important to ensure the aisle is of suitable width. It shouldn’t be too small to use or cause any from of congestion. A normal aisle should be at least 4-5 feet wide.

You should also note that there are different colors of aisle marking. Each color signifies different things and conveys a different method. It’s therefore not wise to use just any color for the sake of it. This might bring about confusion and cause more accidents. Aisle marking will be able to keep things organized in any workplace if they are properly used. It’s therefore very important to adhere to the safety guidelines so as to get the best out of these equipments.

The Diversity Of Industrial Floor Marking Usage

Industrial floor markings are a means of conveying vital messages to users by use of signs or labels. They can be used for both commercial and residential use. They enable continuous workflow in any organization and also save time that would have been spent in verbally conveying the message.

There are international floor marking that are known widely by users. On the other hand, there are custom industrial signs that are used by management to convey messages. Employees and workers alike should be well informed of the meaning of the industrial marking irrespective of whether they are custom made are internationally recognized.

You should not assume that every worker is familiar with what the industrial marking means. Ignorance and negligence can lead to mishaps and hazards within the working area. Training is absolutely imperative ane can turn out to be a life saver, many times over.

Industrial Floor Marking Can Be Used…

To warn people of wet floors. They can be strategically placed in an area where they are visible to people using the area. You should not that the effectiveness of the industrial floor marking greatly relies on its visibility.

The safety floor markings will not be of use if it can’t be seen by people using the area. The marking can also be used to offer directions. They are very ideal since they offer users a sense of direction towards different departments of the organization.

In general, industrial floor marking are used for a variety of things ranging from warning messages to offering directions. It should be noted that the material used to make the marking should be very durable and free from wear or tear. Damaged industrial floor marking should be quickly replaced once they are worn out.

This is because a worn out industrial marking can be misinterpreted and thus bring about confusion or harm. Industrial marking that are well used are bound to reduce management liability in case one gets hurt in the line of duty.

Enhancing Safety On Wet Floors Using Different Floor Signs

Wet floors offer one of the most hazardous conditions that can lead to very serious injuries. A wet floor is mostly dangerous since it reduces human stability. This can make a person fall and get hurt. A lot of flooring materials are mostly slippery and dangerous when wet. some of the flooring that are mostly dangerous when wet include, tile flooring, highly waxed wooden flooring and concrete flooring among many others. A wet floor should be avoided at all times. That is why one should employ the use a floor sign to ensure that users are made aware of the state of the floor. Most floors are often wet after a spill, if there is a leakage within the building or when they are being cleaned.

Wet Floor Signs Are Mostly Used

To signal the possibility of a fall. They are a very ideal way of making users aware of the instability of the floor. The term wet is not restricted to water on flooring surfaces. It can also be used to mean that the floor is painted or has been waxed. Using a wet floor sign in such an occasion means that the paint or wax has not yet dried. This means that you can slip and fall if you attempt to use the floor.

The people using the wet floor signs should ensure that they are visible from any point. A person should be able to clearly see the wet floor sign from any angle of approach. It is highly advisable to use more than one floor sign to increase visibility. You can place the floor signs on different areas of the wet floor. The floor sign can consist of visible words or just pictograms. It can also consist of both as long as it properly sends out the message.

Floor Signs And Management

The safety of a working place often lies on the ability of the management to put in place proper working conditions. It’s very important for management to not only be prepared, but should also be fully aware of all potential angers that are lurking around the workplace. This is will help them in averting liability should one of the workers get injured as they would have been initially warned. Most industries and warehouse are noisy in nature so shouting to convey messages can be sometimes futile. That’s why the use of labels and markings such as pipe markings, floor signs and aisle markings are and effective and ideal way to send both informative and warning messages to the staff using the working area.

Floor Signs Often Create

A sense of organization and stability in the working place and this is definitely good for the business and its management as a whole. Keeping your workers safe using floor signs will not only increase productivity, but it’ll also improve the workers confidence since they are working in a safe and secure area where their safety is a concern. Floor signs are actually very simple tools that can be used in almost any department. You should therefore note that the use of floor signs and markings are not only restricted to warehouse and factories that deal with heavy machinery and dangerous chemicals.

Floor signs and marking can also be used in a simple office setting. They can be used to mark certain areas or even identify certain paths that are to be used. Floor signs and marks can be used to show workers direction to a certain place or tell them of their certain location. The management should always ensure that the signs are visible and in good conditions. This is because floor markings and signs that are worn out or faded can tend to confuse the people using them. It’s therefore very important to regularly clean floor signs so that they are visible and replace them each time they wear out.

Management should note that floor signs and markings can greatly reduce accidents in the work place to a minimum. This is because they enlighten the workers of the various risks involved in the work place prompting the workers to avoid them and stay safe. The company also stands to lose out if one of their workers gets hurt and there was no initial means of communication such as floor signs and marking to warn them.

All About Floor Markings And Signs

The success of using floor signs and markings to prevent risks greatly depends on its ability to convey messages. Floor signs and markings have now become and integral part of any working place and are even required as a must have by law. A floor sign should be made out of very durable material that doesn’t’ wear out easily. This is because floor signs and markings are placed on areas with high traffic and the friction and regular usage of the floor can damage them if they are of poor quality.

Floor Signs Should Be Bright In Appearance

so as to be visible to people using the area. They are normally made out of water resistant material so it’s okay to clean them. You should however avoid using tough detergents and products since this might cause the color to fade. They have a clean and clear surface so a simple wipe using a damp cloth or mob should do it. There are also some floor signs and markings that are made out of tough material that can withstand scrubbing.

Floor signs and markings are designed to suite and type of surface. They often come with very strong adhesive that can be used on both rough and smooth surfaces. You should however clean the surface properly before placing the floor signs. This is because the particles, dust, soil or grit, can have an effect on the floor sign or marking by reducing its ability to effectively adhere to the surface. It’s also very important that you educate and inform your workers of the different floor signs and markings before installing them. This will not only enlighten them, but will also inform them of the different messages and warnings that are conveyed by the floor signs.

Floor markings come in different colors and designs. You should assign each color to its specific function. This is because misuse of colors can bring about chaos and confusion. This can eventually lead to injuries and thus defy the logic of having floor markings and signs in the first place. Make sure that you and your workers are fully conversant with the different floor sign colors and it meaning. You can always indicate what each color stands for in the main working area so that the workers can read and understand them. You should note that there is never ample time to convey warning messages during emergencies and that’s why the quality of the floor markings should always be good.

Why You Need Proper Marking Labels

Floor signs, floor marking and any other pipe marking labels offer the best from of warning labels that are very important in ensuring that a company or organization can protect itself from liabilities when injured persons decide to sue. People all over the world will file law suits against their employers or guilty organizations when they experience some amount of injury or damage due to inadequate notification of danger or some kind of product malfunction.

What Is The Main Purpose Of Using Marking Labels?

There are very many ways to use different types of marking labels to send or convey a message. Marking labels such as industrial floor sign or floor markings can be posted in plain sight for passers-by, workers and onlookers to see, embedded in an instruction manual or poster on a particular product or attached direct to the item. The main purpose of using floor sign and marking is to warn users of the various risks and dangers that could be associated with the use of a particular time. You should note that the information on floor markings and signs should be obvious for people to figure out. It shouldn’t be too complicated for people to comprehend. If possible, it should be written in one or two languages or portrayed using a picture that can be universally recognized.

How To Use Marking Labels

In extreme cases, warning labels in floor signs and markings are printed to warn people around the area including workers and passers-by against some of the strangest and obvious occurrence. Marking labels are not only put on items or machinery that are to be used by the workers, but are also placed in open area to warn people about dangers and inform them on how they should behave while in the area.

You can customize a marking label to suite your needs or requirements. You can also choose to add a message on an already printed aisle marking or industrial floor sign. You should make sure that it doesn’t alter the message being conveyed by the marking label as this might bring about more confusion and cause injury. Try to use the same font and color as the message being used. Don’t use a stronger or weaker intensity of color for the words. This is because the contrast between the colors can confuse users to thinks that the floor signs and marking has two different messages. In general, you should either properly add your message for it to be uniform or leave it as it was or make a brand new one that has the entire message that you wanted to convey.

Increasing Safety By Using Safety Floor Singns

Safety floor signs are very ideal tools that can be used in any manufacturing setting to keep the work process flowing in a smooth order. An efficient and well planned warehouse, plant or working area will greatly benefit by having the safety of the employees put into consideration. There are very many devices ad tools that can be used to put a well laid plan on safety. .

Where Do I Put Floor Markings?

The area to be considered for safety is the space inside the building as well as outside. This could include the docking are and parking lot where goods and other factory equipments are offloaded. The areas to consider for safety purposes inside the building are the store and the main area of work. It’s very important to use various floor signs to direct the movement of people and work. Safety floor signs are very convenient since they help to effectively process the traffic in the work area and thus reduce the chances of an accident. Safety floor signs can help workers and employees in avoiding accidents especially if the signs are clearly laid out with the use of floor tapes that are distinctively visible.

Types of floor signs and markings

You should note that there are different types of floor signs for different types of floors. The surface and color of the floor will greatly determine the type of safety floor sign to be used. Vinyl floor tapes are inexpensive and effective ways of marking your floors. They are also very easy to install. The quality of vinyl floor sign that you use is very important since floor marking and signs are exposed to foot traffic that can make them wear and tear.

Another type of floor markings you can use is road reflectors. They are commonly used on road pavements and warehouse entries. They are very ideal for directing traffic to a particular place especially if the area is dark or dim. A dim lighting can be appended by strategically using road reflectors to reduce accidents. You can choose to make your own custom made floor signs and markings for your company. Custom floor markings or signs are often made to send unique messages to the employees. You should note that most of the workers need to be trained or informed about the custom floor marking before its installation. This will avoid any confusion or misinterpretation when using the floor marking. Custom floor marking are very convenient since they convey a variety of messages to the workers or employees.