(Commonwealth_ New research from Watco highlights significant challenges faced by facilities management (FM) professionals in the warehousing and storage sector, impacting their ability to maintain safe and efficient operations. The study reveals a rise in workloads for FM professionals, along with pressures from budget cuts and urgent repairs, all contributing to the complexity of managing facilities in the sector.
Increased Workload and Budget Pressures
More than half (57%) of FM professionals report an increase in their workload over the past year, while 38% regularly exceed their budgets on urgent repairs needed to address hazards. These rising workloads strain FM teams and make it difficult to prioritize and address smaller repairs, which can escalate into larger hazards if left unaddressed.
Additionally, the study indicates that nearly two-thirds (61%) of FM professionals have experienced budget cuts of up to 25% over the past year. A further fifth (21%) report budget cuts of 26-50%, posing a direct safety risk to the facilities they manage. These cuts make it challenging for FM professionals to carry out essential maintenance and repair tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
Safety Concerns and Key Risks
Despite the budget constraints, FM professionals identify several risks to health and safety within their businesses. Key risks include:
Time constraints
Changing standards and legislation
Fire safety
Incorrect installations
Faulty or damaged materials handling equipment (MHE)
The use of MHE has been cited as a contributing factor to accidents or near-misses, with 43% of respondents reporting such incidents in the last year. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified common causes of accidents in warehousing and storage, including work at height, vehicle movements, and unexpected movement of objects.
Addressing Controllable Risks
Scott Saunders, technical service manager at Watco, advises FM professionals to focus on addressing risks within their control, such as damaged or misused MHE. Signage and line marking can help FM teams map out warehouses, highlighting pathways and hazardous areas to enhance safety and efficiency. By proactively addressing these risks, FM professionals can minimize the potential for accidents and improve overall facility management.
Skills Shortages and Training Needs
The research also uncovers challenges related to finding skilled employees and addressing skills shortages. Nearly half (46%) of FM professionals in the sector find it challenging to find good employees, while 30% worry about a skills shortage. Despite these challenges, FM professionals express a strong desire to invest in professional development and training.
The top areas where FM professionals seek training include:
Sustainability practices
Product/technical expertise
Recruiting the right people
Changes to industry legislation
Risk reduction
FM professionals recognize that building teams with the necessary skills and knowledge is essential for the safe and smooth operation of warehousing and storage facilities. However, balancing the need for professional development with budget constraints and workload pressures can be challenging.
Leveraging External Support
Saunders suggests that FM professionals can benefit from external support to overcome these challenges. By using third-party resources for workforce upskilling on sustainability and legislation changes, FM professionals can stay current with industry standards. Additionally, sourcing documents for core FM tasks around repairs and maintenance or seeking expertise on products can make facilities safer and more efficient.
The research from Watco underscores the complex challenges FM professionals face in the warehousing and storage sector. By addressing safety risks, investing in professional development, and leveraging external support, FM professionals can improve the safe and efficient operation of their facilities, even amidst budget pressures and rising workloads.
