Five Best Practices for an Organized Workplace

Does your company work with chemicals? Transport materials? Manufacture equipment? No matter what your industry, three chief concerns are most likely efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance. That means you need to ensure your operations run smoothly, your workforce is protected, and your organization stays on top of all regulations. Here are a few key suggestions to help make your workplace the best it can be.

1. Improve efficiency with an organized supply area

Your employees should not have to go on a treasure hunt every time they need supplies. Make it easier for them to do their jobs with supplies that are readily accessible in one area. Group similar items together, and make sure assets are clearly labeled for quick identification. Using Colour-coded labels can also make it easier to call out the types of supplies in stock. Make supplies easier to find with labelled shelves in warehouses and storage areas. Avery Easy Align™ Self-Laminating ID Labels stay strong in tough conditions and are water resistant, tear resistant and UV resistant.

2. Make sure your tools are accounted for with a record-keeping system.

Do you know where to find your tools at any given moment? With a check-in/check-out system, it's easier to track the location of items at all times. Log each item that's borrowed, who borrowed it and when. Check the item back in when the item is returned.

[caption id="attachment_630" align="aligncenter" width="686"] Use a barcode system to track your inventory and supplies. Adding unique barcodes to labels is easy with the free Avery Design & Print Online software.[/caption]

3. Keep a running supply inventory

Stay on top of your supplies with a running record of the materials you have on hand by both type and number. You may wish to assign each item a product code to facilitate databasing. If your inventory is automated, program a trigger that will alert you when supplies are running low so you can replenish your stock in time to avoid expensive slow-downs.  Mark property, containers and shelf space with labels such as Avery Durable ID Labels that stand up to frequent use and resist moisture, scuffing, tearing and smudging.

 4. Make sure your labels are compliant.

If your company produces, ships, or works with hazardous chemicals, ensure your chemical labels comply with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), as mandated by ANSI, NFPA, TDG as well as Health Canada. Many industries and large organizations also require that labels have compliant barcodes on all shipping boxes. Create chemical labels, such as these Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels, on demand using free templates and easy step-by-step instructions with the Avery GHS Wizard. Display workplace safety signs with clear, attention-grabbing warning labels using design graphics for GHS, ANSI, TDG, NFPA,  and more.

5. Promote and reinforce safe working practices.

Dangerous equipment and hazardous work areas should always be properly and prominently labeled with clear, attention-grabbing warning labels and signage. Promote safe working guidelines with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) messaging on signs and posters. Also, it's a good practice to periodically change posters with new ones to keep things fresh.

You've got a workplace to run, and we're here to help. For tough, long-lasting organization tools for the workplace, count on Avery for solutions that work as hard as you do. Learn more about our line of professional-grade labels, free GHS and workplace templates and other industrial solutions at avery.ca/industrial.

• Avery Easy Align™ Self-Laminating ID Labels. Durable labels withstand tough conditions, and are water-, UV- and tear-resistant. Easy to laminate—no lamination machine required. Customize with free templates on Avery Design & Print
• Avery Durable ID Labels. Strong, dependable labels are built to handle your identification and organization needs in tough conditions. Labels resist moisture, scuffing, tearing and smudging and feature a permanent adhesive that sticks to a variety of surfaces.
• Avery UltraDuty™ GHS Chemical Labels. Specifically designed to withstand chemicals, abrasion, sun, water, tearing and extreme temperatures. With high performance adhesive, they pass the BS5609 Sec. 2 protocol for 90-day seawater immersion. Labels resist tearing and scuffing and stand up to frequent use.