Why Technician Safety Should Be Part Of Every Uptime Strategy

Implementing Safe Practices Beyond the Trucks

The data also shows that technician safety is not limited to the moment an engineer is physically working on a truck. According to UKMHA, 30% of incidents occur when technicians are not even physically working on the MHE, while more than 20% of injuries resulting in time off work are linked to manual handling failings. This reinforces the importance of the wider working environment, from clear access routes and safe parking areas to removing unnecessary obstructions before work begins.

With many technician jobs being carried out at customer sites, safe working conditions are vital.  The accessibility, safety and environment where technicians are carrying out their work can directly influence how quickly a truck is repaired, serviced and returned to use.  In support of UKMHA’s National Forklift Safety Day and its focus on technician safety, we explore how safer sites can help protect engineers while reducing avoidable downtime.

The Important Role Customers Play

The conditions customers create on site play a vital role in enabling safe, efficient and effective preventative maintenance.  The HSE offers guidance on the shared responsibility of keeping technicians safe.  Before the technician arrives, the truck should be parked in a clear, level, well-lit area, away from active traffic routes where possible.  The working space should be free from pallets, stock, debris or other obstructions, giving the engineer enough room to inspect and repair the equipment safely.

Clear fault information also makes a difference.  Details such as where the issue started, warning lights, unusual noises or changes in performance can help the technician diagnose the problem more quickly and reduce the likelihood of repeat callouts.

Prevention Powers Productivity

Preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of unexpected downtime, but it only delivers value when it can be completed properly.  When technicians have safe access, enough time and the right working conditions, they are more likely to identify small issues before they develop into costly breakdowns.  Daily checks support this process, by regularly assessing the below, operators can help identify potential issues early and give technicians useful information before the inspection begins.

Some key daily checks are:

• General wear and tear on the truck (bumps, scratches, dents)
• Tyre conditions
• Forks
• Fluid levels
• Battery charge levels
• Leads and connectors

In the last 12 months our engineers have completed an average of 812 service and repair visits across customer sites, highlighting the importance of safe working environments every time a technician attends a site.  With a first-time fix rate of 93%, 61% of those being planned maintenance, helping customers reduce repeat callouts and getting equipment back into operation faster.

These results are made possible when technicians have safe access, clear fault information and the right conditions to complete the job thoroughly.

Technician safety is a shared responsibility, and the UKMHA’s Lost Time Injury Report makes clear why is matters.  With the majority of reported incidents taking place on customer premises, safe access, clear working areas and good site preparation are essential to protecting engineers and keeping operations moving.

Productivity Starts with Safety

When working as a partnership to keep everyone safe, maintenance can be completed more effectively, and equipment can be returned to operation with fewer delays.  For businesses relying on material handling equipment every day, creating safer conditions for technicians is not just the right thing to do, it is the practical way to support uptime, reduce disruption and protect productivity.

At Dawsongroup material handling, our engineers work in partnership with customers to keep people and fleets safe, compliant and operational.  By combining planned maintenance, clear communication and safer working environments, businesses can reduce downtime risk while protecting the people who keep their operation moving.  To find out how planned maintenance and proactive support can help reduce downtime across your site, speak to our team today.