Boosting Worker Safety & Productivity With Industrial Fans
Facility managers are adopting energy-efficient industrial ceiling fan solutions to combat heat-related illnesses to workers, mitigate worker heat stress, and boost productivity levels. HVLS fan installation has resulted in less frequent absenteeism, accelerated worker satisfaction, and amplified production output. This, paired with reduced maintenance costs and maximized profits, has magnified the increasing demand for ceiling fans in industrial environments, particularly where operational sustainability and safety are paramount.
Ideal for facilities exposed to extreme weather conditions and large, open-concept facilities, industrial ceiling fans are engineered to distribute large volumes of air at lower revolutions per minute (RPM). These powerful large blade fans expand beyond the traditional ceiling fan vortex, creating an optimal direct breeze zone with 4X the airflow over standard ceiling fans.
Industrial ceiling fans continue to shape the industrial sector due to their energy consumption reduction, minimized maintenance costs, and ability to provide facility managers with greater climate control. Due to these cost-saving benefits, existing upgraded and new construction facilities are also opting to embrace the positive impacts of installing HVLS fans.
Top 5 Benefits of Industrial Fan Installation
Industrial buildings equipped with the proper HVLS fan solution are critical when facility habitability, occupational safety, and production efficiency are top of mind. Manufacturing facilities containing heavy machinery experience an influx of humidity that develops a layer of moisture on equipment, posing the risk of potential safety hazards to workers.
Another common issue in the industrial sector is the exposure to naturally uneven, ambient temperatures resulting in unmanageable working environments for occupants. The consistent battle against stagnant air pockets increases fatigue and diminishes energy levels.
HVLS fans mitigate these common offenders by prioritizing patron safety and allowing facility managers to follow OSHA recommendations with greater control. In turn, employee morale is boosted, and worker output is maximized, yielding greater profits for industrial facilities.
While worker safety enhancement and productivity are the most advantageous outcomes of installing HVLS fans in industrial spaces, the benefits of a custom-tailored ceiling fan solution are immeasurable. Let’s dive deeper into satisfaction improvements of industrial fan installation.
- They Control Temperatures & Regulate Air Quality
Trapped air influences the buildup of bacteria in facilities. The large-scale airflow of HVLS fans prevents trapped dust and contaminate disbursement within the environment to distribute clean, high-quality, breathable air to the workplace contributing to the overall health of employees.
A recent study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that with the reduction of indoor air pollutants by 10 parts per billion, worker productivity increases by 4.2%.[1] This climate factor is easily achieved by the enhanced airflow and efficiencies produced by industrial ceiling fans.
The movement of air created by industrial ceiling fans dramatically reduces the need for HVAC system usage and stabilizes the internal climate. In fact, many facilities completely replace air conditioning usage when ceiling fans are installed in their building. Say goodbye to the burden of HVAC system efficiency struggles and frequent repairs with HVLS fan installation.
- They Aid With Avoiding Sick Building Syndrome
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is referred to when buildings experience frequent exposure to inadequate ventilation and airborne contaminants that create building-induced illnesses to occupants. The consistent movement of air distributed by industrial fans reduces the concentration of toxic air emissions and produces fresh air, free of viruses or contamination. By addressing vulnerability to pollutants and mitigating the potential risk of occupant health-related irritations, workers are likely to feel appreciated, influencing their motivation and desire to continue working for the facility.
- They Boost Worker Production
The refreshing distribution of combined warm and cool air caused by industrial ceiling fans eliminates sweat build-up on the skin and enhances thermal comfort. Thus, employee satisfaction is maximized resulting in higher motivation levels and production output. Additionally, workers suffering in environments with inadequate circulation experience diluted focus, fatigue, and concentration levels. HVLS fans negate these instances. They are engineered to operate at a higher horsepower yet low decibel output, providing a non-intrusive solution for optimal employee focus and maximized production.
A survey of 1,601 workers in North America conducted by Harvard reported that employees who are satisfied with their work environments are 16% more productive and 30% more attracted to their company than competing companies.[2]
- They Limit Slick Surfaces
Sweating slab syndrome (SSS) is a seasonal phenomenon commonly occurring in the spring and summer months, particularly in warehouse spaces. It is referred to when concrete floor surfaces become slick as a result of exposure to humidity and moisture buildup. The heightened subjection to slippery surfaces for workers creates the risk of dire safety implications in facilities.[3] Industrial fans reduce slip hazards by creating a safe operational environment.
- They Reap Energy Costs
Industrial ceiling fan installation reduces concerns of HVAC system breakdown disturbance, unwarranted replacement costs, and air conditioning inefficiencies. These cost-saving benefits paired with the 15%± energy efficiency improvement, have prevented facility managers from continuously relying on AC systems. How quickly will a fan investment pay off? The true answer will depend on various factors attributed to a facility. However, the average payback period for industrial ceiling fans falls within 2 years of installation.
The demand for industrial ceiling fans continues to emerge in the facility sector, becoming a principal staple in spaces where worker safety and satisfaction is a top priority. Selecting the proper ceiling fan solution is critical to achieving maximum effects within a facility, such as regulated temperatures, boosted productivity, enhanced concentration, optimal thermal comfort, and more. It’s a cost-effective, maintenance-free alternative to regulated HVAC system usage.
Chelsea Jones is the Digital Marketing Manager at LED Lighting Supply with 7+ years of experience putting herself in the customers’ shoes to understand their pain points and assist them in making informed buying decisions. She enjoys writing, educating, and building the necessary resources to help customers make those decisions.
[1] Grand View Research. (n.d.). U.S. industrial ceiling fan market size worth $948.2 million by 2025. Retrieved from www.grandviewresearch.com.
[2] Harvard Business Review. (2019, August 1). Survey: What employees want most from their workspaces. Retrieved from hbr.org.
[3] Occupational Health & Safety. (2016, March 1). Improving indoor environments with HVLS fans. Retrieved from ohsonline.com.