With schools returning from the summer holidays this week there has been a concern over the safety of the fabric of the buildings, leading to cancellations of classes or alternative environments for teaching. Some may say that this is as a result of the reduction in the rebuilding programme that was diminished in the austerity measures that commenced in 2010 and the coalition government. Neglecting maintenance often result in increased operational costs, safety hazards, equipment failures, and legal issues.

Regular maintenance encompass cost savings, extended equipment life, improved safety, compliance, and enhanced operational performance. This is because maintenance plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity, safety, and functionality of various systems, equipment, and infrastructure.

The benefits of maintenance include

1. Longer life-span of products, prolonging the life of equipment and assets, reducing the need for premature replacements.
2. Better safety, help identify and rectify safety hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
3. Cost efficiencies, issues are identified before they become costly problems, saving money on repairs and replacements.
4. Better performance of well-maintained equipment operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
5. Improvement in reliability and reduced unplanned downtime.
6. Compliance, maintenance can help organisations meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal issues.
7. Asset Value Preservation: well maintained products and systems retain a higher value.
8. Improved Productivity, minimising downtime and reliable equipment contribute to increased productivity.
9. Environmental Responsibility reducing the environmental impact by preventing leaks, emissions, and waste.

Effective maintenance practices are essential for organizations to mitigate risks and reap the rewards of a well-maintained infrastructure and equipment.

We can consider these points carefully when we consider our health.