Office Safety

As important as your safety plan may be for external operations, it is always encouraging to see safety plans taken seriously for office staff. For the average “desk” job of our industry—CSRs, Accounting, Sales, Marketing and Managers—all have had days or weeks that seem to fly by. What they may not realize that this time in a chair can take a toll on your body, regardless of your physical stature. At Florida Express Environmental, we have set a few policies and have implemented newer office tools to make these positions safer.

Being Mobile

In the morning hours, encourage a stretch routine for the employees choosing to follow it. We have one central printer/scanner/ fax in each office to “force” employees to get up and move around. By getting up and down, not only do you stay stretching and prevent stiffness, you are also creating energy. When lunch nears, we encourage employees to walk around designated areas of the facility and visit our breakroom that has healthy vending machine items (along with the normal chips and candies).

As I often speak about implementing technology in the external operations, we do the same for the office staff. We offer wireless headsets, articulating desks, multiple screens per workstation, contoured ergonomic adjustable chairs, and other wireless items like a keyboard and mouse. Wireless technology allows the “desk” employee to be more free and mobile. Articulating desks allow the employee to stand or sit at the work station depending upon his/her mood at the time.

The Keys to Success

As in everything, the key to success is giving a person the tools to succeed. Keep an open mind if an employee makes a suggestion. If it increases the safety and efficiency of the employee and makes them more productive, cost is irrelevant at that point. Let’s not forget about office cleanliness either. Encourage employees to sanitize their area in flu season or if someone arrives with a cough or case of the sniffles.

To prove that we truly care for the safety and well being of all of our staff members, we have adopted many health-related benefits to back this up. We offer full paid gym memberships to all employees if they choose to sign up. We do not force this on them; it is there should they choose to reap the benefits. I can attest that 95 percent of our employees use this benefit.

Depending on the tenure of the employee, we cover anywhere from 90 percent of all health insurance for the individual up to 100 percent cost for employee + family full coverage (health, dental, vision). This dedication and care for all employees’ individual and work safety is vital for success.

Every employee has a part to make the company successful. If the business is successful, I believe sharing it among employees is better than just good karma. It makes them buy in and want to be there. | WA

John Paglia, III  is a 4th generation garbage man. Before he climbed the ranks to become Florida Express Environmental’s General Manager, he had a successful career in college and professional athletics. John has been around the garbage industry since his car seat days. Currently, John is focused on growing his company and offering the highest level of customer service and prolonging the world we live in today. John wakes up every day knowing the impact professional haulers have on their community is far greater than most realize. He can be reached at (352) 629-4349, e-mail John3@floridaexpress.us or visit www.floridaexpress.us.