Businesses rely on all types of equipment. From the machines which create your products to the cages in which you transport them; it’s all essential. But, like with anything which gets regular and heavy use, equipment is liable to break. In fact, most workplaces have an out of order sign slung across at least one of their vital pieces. Either that or they have one piece everyone knows can be temperamental. In reality, it needs fixing. But, repairs like these are expensive, and everyone seems happy to carry on using it while it’s broken anyway. It still does the same job, right?
Perhaps. But, continual use of broken equipment is illegal. Plus, it could end up costing you more than those repairs would. As a manager, you have a real responsibility to sort these issues. If you aren’t sure why, let’s consider the repercussions and costs use of broken equipment could bring to your door.
Employee injury
The leading risk is that of employee injury. In the case of faulty machinery, this is especially worrying. A broken machine could even lead to fatalities, and they would be on your head. Broken cages and such may not pose the same risk, but they can still lead to issues such as shoulder injuries at work. If this happens, your workers would be well within their rights to sue. And, legal action is sure to cost over double what repairs would have in the first place. Aside from the literal cost, not repairing equipment shows a disregard for employees. This could cost in moral. And, lost moral could lead to lost employees, and even lost sales as work quality decreases.
Broken products
Let’s not forget that broken equipment could also cost you in damaged products. Broken machines could malfunction during production and cause issues. Equally, broken cages could collapse on stock without warning. Both these eventualities could cost you significant amounts. While all businesses should have a shrinkage budget, it’s unlikely yours will cover such widespread damage. Even if it does, this is unlikely to be a one-off incident. A broken piece of equipment will keep destroying your stock until you fork out for the repairs. Is it worth the cost?
Lost custom
What’s more, your broken equipment could also lose you custom. This isn’t a given, but it’s possible. For one, a malfunctioning machine could produce substandard products. These are sure to damage your reputation. Some customers will return their purchases and demand refunds. Others won’t shop with you again. And, if that happens, you can bet they’ll tell others about their bad experience. What does that mean? Yet more lost custom. Even if your product quality isn’t harmed, seeing broken cages and such on your shop floor will send a sure sign of improper practice. Not to mention that many will dislike what this shows about you as an employer. You can guarantee that at least a few customers will shop elsewhere if they don’t think you look after your staff.
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