By Alyssa Quill

As self-storage operators, we’re always focused on growing occupancy and revenue. However, we should also step back a few times each year to make sure we’re providing a safe and secure environment for employees and tenants. The following guide will help you avoid accidents and injuries, prevent property damage, and be prepared to keep people and property safe during emergencies.

Avoiding Accidents and Injuries

There are five likely causes of workplace-related injury: overexertion, falls, body reaction, strikes/blows and repetitive motion. Here’s a look at some common causes of injuries and how you can prevent them.

Overexertion can occur when you hold, lift, pull, push or throw an object excessively. To prevent it, make sure everyone at your property follows these guidelines:

Falls are usually caused by carelessness or debris in walkways and driveways. To prevent them, check property lighting, including emergency lights, monthly. Also be on the lookout for trip hazards like trash, tree roots and asphalt cracks. Repair as needed.

When using ladders, make sure they’re secure and in good condition. All four touch points of the ladder should be level against the ground or wall. Use clips-on gripping shoes, such as Yaktrax, on icy or snowy days. Don’t climb on chairs or other furniture.

A body-reaction injury can occur when your body doesn’t respond in a situation the way it should. For instance, you may lose your balance when you climb, slip or trip. Again, stay alert and watch where you walk. Make sure floors are dry. If they’re wet from rain, snow or cleaning, use cautionary signage or cones to raise awareness. Never run while at work.

Keep doorways, entrances and walkways free of ice and snow. Have a contract with a reputable snow-removal company.

Never lift anything if your hands are wet or greasy. Use cat litter or something similar to clean up spills.

Injuries caused by being struck by an object are usually preventable. They’re often caused by items not being stored properly and falling on someone. Here are some ways to prevent these types of injuries:

Repetitive motion can cause stress or strain on your back, knees, shoulders and wrists. Don’t stay in the same position for too long. Get up and move around frequently. If you type for long periods of time, use a wrist rest near your keypad.

Avoiding Property Damage

Property damage at storage facilities is often caused by fire, flooding (or other water damage), theft, vandalism and vehicle accidents. To prevent fires:

Water damage and flooding can destroy your property and tenants’ belongings. Here are some tips to prevent it:

Unfortunately, self-storage properties can be targets for theft and vandalism. To minimize criminal activity:

There are also several things you can do to prevent damage from vehicle accidents. First, protect expensive equipment with concrete bollards. This includes your gauges, glass entrance, heating and air-conditioning units, keypads, water pipes, etc. Place bollards about one to two feet from the corners of all buildings to prevent people from hitting them with moving trucks they’re not used to driving. Make sure any awnings or eaves are visible and at a height that won’t be hit by large vehicles.

Being Prepared for Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, you must be prepared to keep yourself, tenants and the property safe. First, call 911 and make sure everyone evacuates to a safe location. If possible, grab the computer. Next, contact your home office or property owner. He should contact his insurance company if he expects to make a claim.

Use professionals to clean up any hazardous spills or damage. In the case of chemicals on skin or clothing, flush immediately with water for no less than 15 minutes. Use caution when removing clothes, and seek medical attention if chemical inhalation causes dizziness, drowsiness, headaches or nosebleeds. Here are some other scenarios you may face:

Every property and situation is unique, but hopefully this list will help you review conditions, procedures and supplies at your self-storage facility. Review your emergency protocols and safety practices regularly to ensure you’re taking all the precautions you can to keep employees, tenants and buildings as safe as possible.

Alyssa Quill is the co-owner of Storage Asset Management, a privately held self-storage management company that oversees more than 45 properties along the East Coast. For more information, visit www.storageassetmanagement.com.