TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– The aim of this paper is to describe the most important occupational risks in maintenance operations.Design/methodology/approach– This study analyzed all maintenance‐related fatalities since 1985 together with one group of severe accidents in Finland. In connection with the study, risk assessments were carried out in companies with the aim of charting the risks on sites.Findings– The results indicate that the typical risks in maintenance operations involve poor ergonomics and that the most severe risks among these can lead to direct injury. Severe or even fatal injuries are mainly caused by crushing or falling.Practical implications– To manage the risks, maintenance operations should be taken more carefully into account when designing and reconstructing machinery and work environments. It should be ensured that workers have relevant safety knowledge by means of risk assessments and instruction in safe working practice. In addition, safety cooperation with the customer is essential.Originality/value– The findings indicate that maintenance operations include certain occupational risks. Among such risks, subcontracting offers a specific challenge to the service provider's safety management. The findings of this study provide advice on the safety measures necessary for accident prevention and how to execute them.
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
SN  - 1355-2511
DO  - 10.1108/13552510810877683
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/13552510810877683
AU  - Lind Salla
AU  - Nenonen Sanna
PY  - 2008
Y1  - 2008/01/01
TI  - Occupational risks in industrial maintenance
T2  - Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 194
EP  - 204
Y2  - 2024/04/19
ER  -