COVID-19 Best Practices for Warehouses and Distribution Centers
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect businesses, increased online orders and associated supply chain demand have created a difficult situation for warehouses and distribution centers.
Not only do they need to ensure they can increase throughput and employ enough people to meet the increased demand, but they must also consider the need for social and physical distancing of employees, provide personal protective equipment, and implement any measures required by the government to contain the spread of the virus. Since home office is out of the question in logistics, the expansion of working hours to three-shift operation and the increase of staff have become inevitable.
Based on the preventive measures against COVID-19 (communicated by the German Federal Ministry of Health) regarding good cleaning and disinfection practices and the need to ensure that a minimum distance of one and a half meters between employees is maintained, logistics centers are looking for creative solutions to survive the current crisis and prepare for the future work environment.
Cleaning Protocols
According to the Department’s advice, cleaning and disinfection of establishments and premises is much more important than it was prior to the implementation of COVID-19. Cleaning procedures should include regular and routine cleaning and disinfection of commonly used surfaces such as counters, tables, mobile workstations, door handles, light switches, keyboards, telephones, sinks, and faucets. These surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected with a product that is effective against SARS-CoV-2.
Follow the instructions for use of your disinfectant, as they may contain special information or safety requirements. Wear gloves and any other personal protective equipment recommended in the disinfectant’s instructions for use when cleaning and disinfecting the premises. When cleaning electronic equipment, check the manufacturer’s instructions and consider purchasing waterproof covers to prevent equipment from getting wet.
Companies can benefit from setting up separate shifts from each other to avoid too much mixing of employees. Masks should be worn and hands should be washed regularly. Allowing sufficient time to clean work surfaces between shifts will reduce the risk of transmission of the virus through both direct and secondary contact.
Temperatue Checks
To ensure the safety of all employees, many warehouses and distribution centers have implemented voluntary temperature checks, as high temperatures could indicate the presence of the virus. Keep in mind that this type of check is not mandatory and is only done on a voluntary basis. Therefore, it is important to coordinate with HR and your legal department to ensure you are in compliance.
Equipment Usage
While cleaning, time-shifting and increased health awareness are small helpers way in the fight against COVID-19, warehouses and distribution centers should also consider reorganizing their equipment. To ensure adequate social distance as recommended by the government, they can turn to mobile IT workstations, mobile handheld computers and forklift terminals. These portable devices allow employees to work freely in the warehouse while maintaining sufficient distance from their colleagues.
ACD Group’s mobile IT workstations and mobile handheld computers allow warehouse and distribution center workers to move around the site carrying all the equipment they need. This significantly reduces the risk of interpersonal contact within a meter and a half and the risk of equipment contamination. In addition, the proper use of gloves, masks, visors and hygiene items further reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Ressources
During the pandemic, we at ACD Group provide you with relevant information. Learn more about how Mobile Workstations and Mobile Handheld Computers can help your warehouse or distribution center meet regulatory recommendations.