The hidden costs of a maintenance workforce shortage can quickly add up. Failure to conduct regular maintenance can lead to increased downtime, expensive repairs, and equipment replacements. Missing production targets and producing low-quality products impact revenue, the bottom line, and the company’s reputation.
As a result, equipment should be regularly maintained to support efficiency and production. Partnering with a staffing agency specializing in maintenance helps minimize the impact of a maintenance workforce shortage.
These are the hidden costs of a maintenance workforce shortage and how to solve the problem.
Poor Safety Standards
Lack of regular maintenance creates equipment issues that can lead to breakdowns. Injuries can occur from cuts, explosions, fires, and toxic material emissions.
Increasing tasks due to a maintenance workforce shortage can expose the technicians to risky work environments. The results can include increased absenteeism, expensive medical bills, and workers’ compensation payouts.
Decreased Production
Production schedules depend on available assets. Therefore, equipment breakdowns and downtime during peak production cycles limit the ability to reach production targets.
Failure to perform timely equipment maintenance adversely impacts product quantity and quality:
- Production assets cannot efficiently operate.
- Equipment malfunctions lead to frequent production stops for emergency repairs.
- Purchasing replacement parts and paying technicians overtime wages increases costs.
- Failure to control production parameters can lead to product deformation.
- Raw materials being transformed within the production line that are not salvageable increase waste.
- End products might not meet the customer’s or industry’s minimum quality standards.
- Producing fewer units fails to meet supply chain demands and lowers revenue.
- Rework raises production costs.
- Customers might hire other companies to fill manufacturing needs.
Noncompliance Fines
Skipping equipment maintenance can lead to noncompliance with statutory regulations established by OSHA, the EPA, the FDA, and other agencies create guidelines for developing safe working facilities and controlling emissions and environmental pollution:
- Lack of maintenance reduces asset efficiency.
- The equipment tends to be noisier, consume more energy, and emit more pollutants.
- Noncompliant companies can be assessed penalties and fines and assigned corrective measures before resuming production.
Replacement Costs
Extended equipment operation without maintenance increases the likelihood of premature or irreparable damage:
- Damaged assets take up valuable floor space.
- Repairs and replacements reduce operational efficiency and increase costs.
- Replacing equipment costs more than repairing it.
- The company struggles to recoup its initial investment and support business continuity.
Get Help During a Maintenance Workforce Shortage
Job Store Staffing can provide experienced maintenance professionals to fill your Colorado company’s staffing needs during a workforce shortage. Contact us to learn more today.
