Summertime can be a busy season for warehouses, especially if your business experiences a surge in demand during the warmer months. However, failing to prepare your warehouse for the summer can lead to costly downtime, lost income, and frustrated or downright miserable employees. With that in mind, we’ve put together some top tips to help you get your warehouse ready for summer.
Make Sure Your Equipment Is Summer-Ready
The heavy machinery and equipment in your warehouse can undergo various changes due to summer weather. Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause unforeseen mechanical and electrical issues that result in equipment downtime. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect and maintain equipment—including forklifts, conveyor systems, and yard trucks—to prevent unexpected shutdowns that can negatively impact productivity.
Review Stock, Storage, and Packaging
Summer weather can do more than affect warehouse equipment. Heat and humidity can also negatively impact perishable items, such as food and medication. It is critical to regularly check and monitor stock levels to ensure you maintain the proper conditions for your perishable goods. Additionally, review your packaging processes to make sure goods stay safe both in your facility and as they travel through the supply chain, as changing temperatures can impact product packaging.
Follow Safety Precautions
Summer weather can pose many health and safety risks to employees, such as dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn. It is vital to provide employees with adequate personal protective equipment as well as a safe and healthy work environment. Allow for additional water breaks and rest periods in air-conditioned areas. Ensure that all safety protocols are in place, including providing shade for employees working outside or in open loading areas.
Check Your HVAC System
One of the most important tips for getting your warehouse ready for summer is making sure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape. The last thing you want is for your workers to struggle in sweltering heat or for your goods to be damaged by excessive humidity. Schedule a professional inspection to have your air conditioning units checked to make sure they are working effectively. Clean or replace any filters or ducts as necessary to ensure you have a comfortable work environment heading into the summer.
