Effectively managing workplace air pollution and minimising waste are essential elements of maintaining regulatory compliance. But the benefits go beyond that – reducing pollution and waste also helps keep your team healthier (and happier!), brings down the cost of operations, and enables you to build your public profile as an environmentally conscious company.
Below, we’ve rounded up our top suggestions for minimising waste in the workplace and protecting against pollution.
Track Sources of Workplace Air Pollution
Depending on your industry and setting, there are multiple things that can cause workplace air pollution to build up – from manufacturing processes in warehouses to vehicle emissions released by your fleets, or inadequate ventilation in your company’s building.
The first step is to thoroughly assess the air quality of your entire workplace, so you can effectively identify all potential air pollution sources. Once you have the bigger picture, you can install air quality monitors to help you track the levels of pollution over time and make improvements accordingly.
Additionally, you can invest in indoor ventilation systems (e.g. heating, ventilation and air conditioning), HVAC units, or even upgrade to more high-tech solutions such as an air purification system featuring a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The latter is a great workplace air pollution solution for sites where chemical exposure or particle matter are a particular hazard.
Invest in PPE and Training
If your business is in an industry rife with hazards and pollutants, introducing personal protective equipment (PPE) for your team is an essential part of safety at work.
You can make a big difference to the wellbeing of your employees by selecting the right equipment, so make sure you provide everyone with tailored PPE for their job responsibilities.
Anyone working around chemical fumes or airborne chemicals needs professional respirators, or a dust mask at the very least. If they’re also handling hazardous materials, consider investing in other kit such as protective clothing, gloves, and goggles.
Make sure you provide detailed training to all staff alongside the equipment, so they are aware of all the workplace risks and how best to use the PPE to safeguard themselves, as well as the proper procedure to report any issues.
Make use of Signage
One simple, but very effective way to raise awareness of workplace air pollution and waste management is through clearly displayed signage. This way your team has a visual reminder of workplace safety procedures, including prompts to wear PPE with a safety sign like ‘Face masks must be worn’.
The best locations to display these safety signs include high workplace air pollution risk areas and spaces where hazardous materials are handled, as well as tactical places near the recycling bins for minimising waste in the workplace.
You can also have more general signage displaying your waste and pollution workplace policies, or any sustainability initiatives your company is participating in.
Promote Recycling
A considerable amount of workplace waste can either be recycled or at least repurposed. So, an effective recycling policy can go a long way towards minimising waste in the workplace.
You can achieve that through a few relatively easy steps, starting with setting up specialist recycling stations and signposting everyone towards them with prominent signs.
As well as pointing your team towards the dedicated bins for plastics, paper, and metal, use your company communications as a platform to encourage everyone to make the transition to reusable coffee cups and water bottles. That way you’re going the extra mile to cut down single-use waste and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle among your team.
You can even go the extra mile and team up with specialist recycling companies which can help trickier disposal tasks like getting rid of hazardous materials or e-waste. This is also a great way to ensure you’re compliant with waste management regulations for your industry.
Build A Sustainable Supply Chain
If you’re really looking to make a difference to the planet, take your eco-friendly thinking a step further and partner with suppliers who are environmentally conscious themselves. This way you’re not only reducing the pollution and waste associated with your immediate business premises, but also with your wider supply chain.
Things to look out for when selecting suppliers include certifications (like International Organisation for Standardisation - ISO) and the types of materials they use, as well as the overall carbon emissions of their manufacturing practices and transportation.
Most ‘green’ companies will proudly display their accreditations and awards for sustainability either on their website or at their premises.
Workplace Air Pollution and Waste Management Signs from Label Source
Introducing hazard warning signs and PPE signs (such as a face mask sign) alongside wider strategies for minimising waste in the workplace and protecting against pollution is a great way to ensure your staff are aware of these initiatives and how to effectively implement them.
For more advice on the signage you should include around your workplace premises, contact our team.
