The Fine Art of Facility Management: Pests and Vermin
The Fine
Art of Facility Management: Pests and Vermin
Facility management is often an intricate art
form, balancing service quality and budget constraints. In this post, we focus
primarily on managing pests and vermin, a critical aspect of maintaining a
facility.
Over the years, we've engaged with numerous
facility management professionals. Each one has their unique approach to
handling facility services and budgets. Generally, these approaches can be
categorized into three distinct philosophies:
- Service-Oriented:
These managers prioritize service quality. They are willing to spend
reasonably to ensure services are timely and executed correctly.
- Cost-Focused: This
group aims to minimize costs wherever possible. They prefer cheaper
services and avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Value-Seeking: The
rarest of the three, these managers strive to balance cost and quality.
They seek the highest-grade services at the lowest possible prices.
However, some facilities cannot adopt a purely
low-cost approach due to unavoidable expenses. For example, vehicle maintenance
is essential. Stretching maintenance schedules can lead to breakdowns, negating
any initial savings.
Similarly, underpaying employees can lead to
high turnover rates. If workers keep leaving for better-paying jobs, the
quality and consistency of services suffer, undermining any cost-saving
efforts.
Finding the
Middle Ground
Compromise is key. Understanding and defining a reasonable level of service is crucial. Avoiding the temptation of the lowest bid can prevent hidden risks and ensure sustainable quality. That doesn't necessarily mean full elimination, similar to the legendary Bugs Burger though, as this can be difficult and costly, whereas simple pest management may suffice
The
Importance of Quality in a Pest Control Service
Take pest control services, for instance. We
only work with compliant providers. If a provider cannot retain trained
technicians due to poor management, service schedules suffer, and technicians
may not know the locations of all bait stations.
Grease TrapCleaning : A Critical Example
Grease trap cleaning also illustrates the
pitfalls of cutting costs. Using reputable companies is essential. If not
cleaned on a defined schedule, grease traps become difficult to maintain,
leading to fat accumulation in sewer lines and the formation of fatbergs. A
delayed or improper cleaning can result in blockages and repeated service
calls, ultimately costing more.
Clinical Waste Disposal: No Room for Shortcuts
Clinical waste disposal is another area where
cutting corners is dangerous. This highly regulated waste stream requires
strict adherence to guidelines. Unfortunately, some businesses resort to
unlawful dumping or fail to provide proper protective gear for their staff, all
in the name of saving money.
In summary, while managing facility services
and budgets is a complex task, striving for a balance between cost and quality
is essential for sustainable operations. Cutting corners may offer short-term
savings but often leads to long-term problems and higher expenses.
Waste Compactors and Balers: Minimise Truck Movements
When your business generates high volumes of compactable waste, consider using a compactor or a baler as a part of your waste management service. Waste compaction equipment can be configured in different ways, from balers for plastic and cardboard, to bulk waste compaction systems that completely enclose the load, and in doing so, minimise the opportunity for vermin to infest the waste.
Here's a cautionary tail about what can go wrong when pest control is not managed appropriately.
Pun Intended!
The Case of the Infamous Rat Infestation at a Major Grocery Chain
In 2012, a major grocery chain in the United States faced a severe backlash due to a significant rat infestation at one of its stores in New York City. The company had neglected proper pest control measures, leading to several issues that severely impacted its reputation and operations.
The Incident
Customers began noticing rat droppings, chewed packaging, and even live rats in the store. Complaints quickly escalated, and soon, health inspectors were on the scene. They found numerous violations, including evidence of a large rat population that had been allowed to thrive due to poor sanitation and ineffective pest control measures.
Consequences
Health Violations and Fines: The health department cited the store for multiple health violations. The company faced hefty fines for failing to maintain a sanitary environment, which is critical for food safety.
Temporary Closure: The store was forced to shut down temporarily to address the infestation. This closure not only resulted in lost revenue but also disrupted the supply chain and inconvenienced customers.
Reputational Damage: News of the rat infestation spread quickly through media and social networks. The company faced a significant public relations crisis, with widespread negative coverage harming its brand image. Customers lost trust in the store’s ability to provide safe and clean products.
Increased Costs: Addressing the infestation required extensive cleaning and sanitation efforts, pest control services, and renovations to prevent future issues. The costs of these corrective actions were substantial.
Operational Impact: Employees had to deal with the fallout, including an increased workload to clean and restock the store. The incident also led to heightened scrutiny from health inspectors, who conducted more frequent and rigorous inspections thereafter.
Lessons Learned
This incident underscored the importance of regular and effective pest control measures in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both customers and employees. It highlighted the need for:
- Routine Inspections: Regular pest control inspections to identify and address potential issues before they become severe.
- Sanitation Practices: Maintaining high standards of cleanliness to deter pests.
- Prompt Action: Swiftly addressing any signs of pest activity to prevent infestations from escalating.
- Public Relations Management: Having a crisis management plan in place to handle public relations issues effectively when they arise.
By neglecting pest control, the grocery chain not only faced immediate financial losses but also long-term reputational damage that affected customer trust and loyalty. This case serves as a cautionary tale for other businesses about the critical importance of diligent pest control practices.
