Wide-ranging benefits of effective cleaning

A survey published by the manufacturers' organisation EEF and Santander in November 2017 highlighted that UK manufacturers are at the forefront of business innovation efforts. Results demonstrate how innovation enables manufacturers to do things better, entering new export and domestic markets, with almost 95% of respondents engaged in some form of innovation in the last three years. 

At the same time, 37% of companies agreed that process innovation is becoming steadily more important than other forms of innovation. Fundamental workplace processes including cleaning, should be considered in any improvement plan.

Irrespective of industry sector, most industrial plants face similar challenges. This includes strong market competitiveness and the need for constant growth, investments and upgrading. Other issues include difficulties with meeting deadlines, dealing with machinery breakdown, and a big workforce turnover requiring frequent training and teaching.

Work efficacy  

A clean environment with effective products influences the speed of workflow. The optimisation of work time makes it easier to deliver quality products on time, saving time for other tasks. A well-cleaned element, means an employee does not have to keep doing the same task repeatedly. Meeting production targets will lead to increased company performance, new investments and security for employees. 

 Professionalism 

Clients often visit sites and view production processes as part of their audit process. A tidy, well-maintained plant provides instant reassurance to clients of good product quality and compliance to necessary safety standards. A clean, modern image is also a source of pride for employees. 

Motivation 

Mutual efforts to maintain the working environment enhances co-worker respect and team spirit increasing motivation. Work is made easier, faster, and more enjoyable to complete.  

Health 

The elimination of dirt and other substances on a worker’s clothes and hands through cleaning instantly reduces health risks. In turn, this improves work comfort, morale and productivity.

Performance 

Prioritising keeping machines clean has a positive impact on the longevity and quality of performance. It reduces the chance of breakdowns, maintaining a good workflow, ensuring deadlines can be met.   

Under the 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act and the 1999 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers have a legal duty to assess all risks that could impact the health and safety of employees. Taking the time to understand different cleaning solutions and realising how vital it is to bottom line is essential for businesses looking to improve processes and keep up with innovation demands. 

When considering what you need in a cleaning solution, there a few key features to look for. Products must absorb fast and well, collecting different kinds of substances without smearing them. They should offer resistance, and be able to work with different chemicals and on different kinds of surfaces, ensuring that they don’t breakdown, create a pulp like consistency or tear off into tiny shreds. Cloths manufactured for the appropriate task guarantee repeated, unwavering quality, optimising work time and the ability to spend more time on other tasks. 

As the need to both innovate and improve processes continues to take precedence in an industrial environment, taking the time to review and improve cleaning solutions could lead to benefits across an entire business.