Safe Maintenance

Saves time, saves money, saves lives

We are supporting the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland's (HSENI) campaign to reduce the instances of poorly planned maintenance that have the potential to kill and injure.

The HSENI's 'Safe Maintenance' campaign gives clear instructions to anyone planning maintenance in their workplace.

Too often, setting out to fix or repair machinery or plant can lead to needless death and injury. In fact, during the past year, 30 per cent of all workplace facilities were related to maintenance activities. Maintenance can take many forms and involve working at height or using hazardous chemicals. It should never be approached lightly but instead, always be carefully planned. In the final analysis, safe maintenance saves time, saves money and save lives.

HSENI's campaign encourages Northern Ireland employers to carry out safe maintenance and adopt better risk management techniques. It recommends five basic rules to get it right:

Planning
Making the work area safe
Using the appropriate equipment
Working as planned
Final check

The campaign's message will be reinforced during inspections by both the council and HSENI. There will be particular emphasis on exposure to asbestos, working at heights and locking out machinery.

For further information on safe maintenance in workplaces, visit www.hseni.com