Uh, oh …
The much-championed TPM has one tiny downer: An alleged increase in work-related injuries.
With all the potential benefits of implementing the Total Productive Maintenance philosophy, there are a few disadvantages. In the throes of championing worker autonomy, someone forgot to mention that a more diversified worker can potentially mean more diversified injuries.
It happens like this … A worker uses his machine with skill and ease. In a wave of TPM implementation, he learns to clean and maintain it. Blades are checked and cleaned, the engine is serviced, the functionality of various parts is tested periodically, and needed lubrication is performed. With each new task, the potential for injury increases.
“Not surprisingly, strains and sprains continue to be the bane of many companies, especially with increasingly autonomous workers who act as they think best,” said Robert Prater, a director with Strategic Safety, in an article for Occupational Health & Safety.
So what’s the solution? In the enthusiasm to implement TPM, be sure to address safety concerns. A more weighted workload will inevitably introduce more ways to get hurt. Safety training in addition to simple operation training is necessary, but often overlooked. Cleaning supplies can be harmful to the skin or eyes; sharp blades are dangerous to clean or lubricate. There are many potential hazards in any task in nearly any given facility that ought to be addressed, especially for a worker who is newly trained to perform such tasks. Fortunately, OSHA has set in place myriad standards for training and safety
Conversely, the benefits of TPM still far outweigh any negative aspects. The goal of TPM is to maximize equipment effectiveness and longevity and reduce and eliminate loss. These goals are accomplished through three main objectives: standardizing procedures for consistency, streamlining procedures with visual communication, and maximizing the use of space and resources (people and equipment). That last element – maximizing resources – can’t be achieved without necessary training on both operational and safety fronts.
Labels: OSHA, TPM
