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Originally Posted On: https://www.shannahancrane.com/the-importance-of-annual-inspections-for-hoist-equipment
The average cost of construction equipment in the US is set to rise by 6% by 2028. This might not sound like a lot, but if you are paying thousands of dollars for your hoist equipment, these costs can quickly add up.
Fortunately, you can protect your investment with regular equipment maintenance. This includes scheduling a hoist inspection every six to twelve months.
So what do hoist inspections involve and why are they so important? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What Is a Hoist Inspection?
A hoist inspection is a review of your hoist equipment by an independent inspector. During the inspection they will:
- Test your hoist equipment
- Look for any maintenance issues
- Check your hoist maintenance records
- Make sure that your hoist training is up to date
- Report any defects with your hoist equipment
This ensures that your machinery is safe to use and that you are staying on top of your equipment upkeep. So why are hoist inspections so important? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of hoist inspections for you as an employer.
Inspections Improve Hoist Equipment Safety
As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to make sure that your equipment is safe to use. If you don’t do this, then you could face a lawsuit from your employees.
Hoist inspections reduce the risk of someone being injured while using your equipment. Your inspector will make sure that your equipment is working properly and point out any components that need replacing.
They will also check the emergency controls and warning signs on your equipment. These play a major role in preventing accidents when employees are using your equipment.
Overall, this reduces the risk of your hoist failing and injuring people or damaging property in your workplace.
Hoist Equipment Inspections Boost Productivity
Hoist equipment that isn’t running properly can cause serious disruptions in your workflow. So identifying issues during an inspection can make a huge difference to the success of your business throughout the year.
When equipment fails, you will have to halt a project until it can be repaired. If your equipment needs major repairs then these delays could go on for weeks at a time.
Keeping your equipment in good working order ensures that you can meet your project deadlines. This means that your clients will be happy and will send future projects your way.
Inspections Can Save You Money
Bringing in more work will obviously make you more money. However, hoist inspections can also save you money in two ways.
1. Your Repair Costs Will Be Cheaper
Minor hoist repairs are much cheaper than major repairs. In fact, if your equipment does develop major issues, you may have to replace it entirely.
Regular inspections ensure that you catch minor problems before they develop. As a result, you can save a lot of money on your equipment repair costs.
2. Inspections Lower the Risk of You Having to Pay Workplace Injury Compensation
As we’ve already mentioned, inspections lower the risk of injuries in your workplace. This is obviously great for your employees, but it also protects you.
If an employee is injured in your workplace, they may file a compensation claim against you. Even with insurance, you can end up paying thousands of dollars to settle a claim.
By reducing the risk of injuries, you also reduce the risk of having to payout expensive injury lawsuits. So everyone is a winner!
Annual Inspection Services Ensure That You Comply With Industrial Regulations
If you use industrial equipment in your workplace, you will have a legal obligation to maintain it properly.
Failing to meet your state’s regulations could result in you getting a hefty fine. Your state may also order you to halt work until your hoist equipment meets the appropriate standards. This could mean that you have to cancel projects or miss important deadlines.
Equipment inspectors have professional training in industrial law. So they are familiar with all of the industrial regulations that you have to meet. At each inspection, they will ensure that you are complying with these regulations.
This means that you can rest easy knowing that all of your equipment meets the industrial standards in your state.
Inspectors will also advise you on any repairs that need doing in order to meet these regulations. It is important to note that you must carry out these repairs before anyone uses your hoist equipment. If you don’t and someone gets injured, they could sue you for negligence in the workplace.
Proper Hoist Equipment Maintenance Boosts Morale
Obviously, you have a legal obligation to look after your employees. However, this can also have an impact on company morale. Hoist equipment inspections show your employees that you take their safety seriously.
This can have a big impact on how much they like you as an employer and how comfortable they feel working for you. Employees who feel valued at work tend to be more productive and committed to each project. So your clients also benefit from this.
Creating a safe workplace will also help you attract more talented applicants when you advertise jobs. This means can benefit your business in the long run.
Get Help From Experienced Equipment Inspectors Today
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to organizing an annual hoist equipment inspection.
These inspections ensure that your equipment is safe to use and runs efficiently. They can also save you a lot of money when it comes to hoist maintenance. So what are you waiting for?
Get in touch today to organize a free consultation with an experienced hoist equipment inspector. We’re here to help.
