As a property manager, no two days are ever the same. From inspecting units and meeting with tenants to handling maintenance requests and overseeing renovations, the work involves plenty of variety.
However, this diversity of tasks also tends to come with the risk of on-the-job injuries if safety is not the top priority.
Therefore, today, we take an in-depth look at the world of property management to explore some of the common hazards faced and how focusing on property manager workplace safety practices can help you avoid becoming a statistic.
The Dangers of Slips, Trips and Falls
One danger that poses a threat in any workplace is slips, trips, and falls. For property managers, these types of accidents are especially prevalent due to the range of environments and conditions they find themselves in over the course of a workday. Slips and falls often occur due to wet or slippery surfaces like those that can form after snow or ice removal or floor cleaning activities.
Property managers may also encounter tripping hazards from uneven surfaces, loose carpeting, or clutter that has been left out. Staying mindful of potential slipping hazards and wearing slip-resistant shoes can go a long way in avoiding these kinds of injuries.
Following proper safety procedures and keeping walkways clearly unobstructed are also important to reduce accident risks.
Prioritizing Ladder Safety
Another task that endangers many property managers is working at heights, such as using ladders for gutter cleaning, painting, and caulking windows. Unfortunately, too many ladder-related accidents are caused by using damaged or incorrectly positioned ladders on unstable or uneven surfaces.
Conducting ladder safety training ensures employees understand how to safely ascend and descend, maintain three points of contact, and have a co-worker steadying the base. Taking the time to set ladders on stable, level footholds can significantly decrease the chances of falls.
Training and PPE are Key
Many property maintenance duties like operating power tools and equipment also bring the risk of injury if not performed carefully. However, injuries are often avoidable when workers undergo proper training first and use recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and gloves.
Employers who prioritize these preventative steps help protect employees daily and foster a strong culture of property manager workplace safety. Furthermore, regularly inspecting machinery, following manufacturers’ guidelines, and enforcing safe operating procedures throughout the workplace can help eliminate risky behaviors before they cause incidents.
There are of course, other types of safety risks. A good example is the hidden risks that come from repetitive motions like raking, shoveling, and vacuuming, which can lead to long-term injuries if not performed ergonomically.
Ensure a Safer Tomorrow through Property Manager Workplace Safety Initiatives
In summary, through training, oversight, emphasis on safety best practices, and providing appropriate PPE, property managers, and their teams can successfully mitigate common workplace hazards.
Maintaining focus on prevention allows these professionals to carry out repairs, renovations, and all their duties effectively without compromising their well-being. Most importantly, prioritizing safety takes precedence over expediency to help ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.
