In this blog series we are looking at the key challenges that UK businesses are currently experiencing, with labour shortages and retaining employee engagement. We will be helping you by providing; practical tips, resources on equipment, training, and preventative measures. That could potentially minimise the impact of downtime, and increase the productivity of workers that are currently employed in addition to improving safety and well-being when working at height in the workplace.
The benefits of good health and safety will ensure that businesses can avoid additional financial costs by reducing the risk of accidents and illnesses, by frequently maintaining the right equipment and training employees to be more competent. From 2019 to 2020 HSE estimated that the total cost to Britain was £18.8 billion. The consequences of workers returning to work after an injury or illness is that they may not feel as safe as they did in the current working conditions, or they no longer have the capability to continue working, which could potentially result in loss of workers and production.
How labour shortages are impacting businesses.
In January 2023 the UK Parliament House of Commons Library stated that in November 2022, 13.3% of businesses surveyed by the ONS reported experiencing a shortage of workers. A key reason for labour shortages is that the demand for labour has recovered faster than the labour supply since the pandemic. As a result of inflation and economic challenges, businesses are having difficulty recruiting employees with the relevant skills, due to a rise in economic inactivity. The labour shortage has created a reduction in productivity, as many tasks are being delayed or left incomplete due to the low volume of workers.
In January 2023 the UK Parliament House of Commons Library stated that in November 2022, 13.3% of businesses surveyed by the ONS reported experiencing a shortage of workers. A key reason for labour shortages is that demand for labour has recovered faster than labour supply since the pandemic. As a result of inflation and economic challenges, businesses are having difficulty recruiting employees with the relevant skills, due to a rise in economic inactivity. The labour shortage has created a reduction in productivity, as many tasks are being delayed or left incomplete due to the low volume of workers.
How maintaining your equipment can boost productivity and profits
Making sure that all equipment is well maintained with planned daily inspections, can help reduce downtime and the risk of equipment becoming out of use. Looking after your equipment can help employers maximise time when always having the appropriate tools and equipment can turn a two-person job into a one-person task. Otherwise, there is a huge risk that if one issue is not fixed as soon as it's found, it could impact other parts resulting in multiple repairs or worse become life-threatening to a worker if the equipment does meet the required regulations.
HLS Preventative maintenance
In the current climate, many businesses are looking to make some effective cost savings without cutting corners while increasing productivity when working at height. HLS offer a maintenance contract, where we can provide guidance on what the annual costs to maintain your equipment when you purchase from us would be. Advising you in good time for when services and mandatory inspections are due, and reporting on any defects that need urgent attention. To ensure you are compliant with both LOLER and PUWER regulations. Whilst having peace of mind that all operators will continue to work safely.
Download our free LOLER guide to find out how often equipment needs a LOLER examination.
Why take out a HLS preventative maintenance contract
- Regular machine maintenance will not only ensure optimum performance but will also prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your equipment.
- Having daily checks can help ensure that any issues identified can be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further delays when sourcing parts. Ideally, you need to identify repair needs weeks or even months in advance.
- The whole team can be trained to complete a daily checklist before using any piece of equipment and report their concerns to management for immediate consideration. Increasing peace of mind that all operators will continue to work safely.
“When we visit a site to complete a LOLER examination this is just the beginning, we look beyond compliance to help make business improvements in safety and productivity when working at height. We help our customers to show how they value their employees’ safety and build a safety culture from the ground up.”
Stuart Honeywood, Director HLS
In summary
A well-maintained machine that undergoes thorough LOLER examinations that are recorded and documented by a competent person. This means that any equipment used is fit for purpose and the history of past and upcoming inspections are visible to all operators. Reducing costs to businesses by avoiding regular repairs and downtime and prolonging the use of current equipment.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Planned Maintenance and Service contract that is offered, please visit our web page for more information. Or get in contact with our team by calling 0113 524 1018.
