10 Steps to Boost Maintenance Safety

Ensuring the safety of maintenance workers is essential for any organization. A strong safety program not only protects employees but also increases productivity and reduces costs related to workplace accidents. Here are 10 key steps to enhance safety in your maintenance department:

1. Develop Comprehensive Safety Policies and Procedures

Create detailed safety guidelines that cover all aspects of maintenance work. These policies should:

Address specific risks in your industry
Comply with OSHA and other relevant regulations
Be easily accessible to all employees
Undergo regular reviews and updates

Tip: Involve experienced maintenance staff in policy development to ensure practicality and relevance.

2. Deliver Comprehensive Safety Training

Create a robust training program that covers all aspects of safety, including:

Safety orientation for new hires to ensure they understand basic protocols
Ongoing training on the correct use of equipment and adherence to safety guidelines
Clear instruction on how to respond in emergency situations
Practical, hands-on training with safety gear to reinforce proper usage

Tip: Use your CMMS to track and schedule safety training sessions, ensuring all employees are up-to-date on essential procedures and certifications. This keeps safety training organized and accessible across the team.

3. Implement a Robust Preventive Maintenance Program

Consistent equipment maintenance is crucial for avoiding accidents. To ensure effectiveness:

Utilize a CMMS to efficiently schedule and monitor maintenance tasks
Perform routine inspections of equipment to catch issues early
Proactively resolve potential hazards before they escalate
Maintain thorough and accurate maintenance records for future reference

Tip: Use your CMMS to generate automated reminders for inspections and follow-up actions, helping you stay ahead of equipment issues and minimize risks.

4. Foster a Culture of Safety

Encourage a workplace environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. This includes:

Promoting open communication about safety concerns
Implementing a near-miss reporting system
Recognizing and rewarding safe behaviors
Regularly discussing safety topics in team meetings

Tip: Lead by example—when managers actively participate in safety discussions and recognize safe behaviors, it reinforces the importance of safety and motivates employees to prioritize it as part of their daily routine.

5. Provide and Maintain Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ensure all maintenance workers have access to appropriate PPE for their tasks. This typically includes:

Safety glasses
Hard hats
Gloves
Steel-toed boots
Hearing protection

Tip: Schedule routine PPE inspections through your CMMS to ensure gear is in top condition and replaced as needed, reducing the risk of equipment failure and ensuring workers are always protected.

6. Implement Strict Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Prevent accidental machine start-ups during maintenance by:

Establishing clear lockout/tagout protocols
Training all employees on these procedures
Conducting regular compliance audits
Updating procedures as equipment changes

Tip: Post visual reminders near machinery and equipment to reinforce lockout/tagout protocols, ensuring that procedures are always top of mind and consistently followed by all team members.

7. Conduct Regular Safety Inspections

Perform routine safety audits of your maintenance areas and equipment. To maximize effectiveness:

Use standardized checklists
Involve employees from different levels in inspections
Address identified hazards promptly
Track and analyze inspection results over time

Tip: Involve team members from various departments in safety inspections to gain different perspectives on potential hazards, fostering a shared responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment.

8. Ensure Proper Tools and Equipment

Maintain a well-equipped and safe work environment by:

Providing the right tools for each job
Implementing a regular tool inspection and maintenance schedule
Replacing outdated or damaged equipment promptly
Training employees on proper tool use and storage

Tip: Use your CMMS to manage and track tool inventory, scheduling regular inspections and maintenance to ensure all equipment is in optimal condition and reducing downtime due to tool-related issues.

9. Improve Safety Communication

Establish clear channels for safety-related communication:

Implement a safety management system
Use multiple communication methods (e.g., meetings, digital displays, newsletters)
Encourage two-way communication about safety concerns
Share safety success stories and lessons learned

Tip: Regularly review and update safety communication materials to reflect current procedures and feedback, ensuring that all employees are informed about the latest safety practices and improvements.

10. Monitor and Analyze Safety Performance

Track key safety metrics to drive continuous improvement:

Incident rates
Near-miss reports
Safety audit results
Employee participation in safety initiatives

Tip: Use data from your CMMS to generate detailed safety performance reports, enabling you to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of safety measures, and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Consistently review safety metrics with your team to refine and enhance your strategies. Achieving a safe work environment is a continuous commitment that involves everyone in the organization. Regularly seek input from your team and stay informed about the latest industry practices to keep your safety program effective. Integrating eWorkOrders’ CMMS into your safety management can provide valuable tools and insights to help streamline processes and support ongoing improvements.