title: A case study of machinery maintenance protocols and procedures within the UK utilities sector.
abstract: Failure to conduct periodic fixed-time-to (or scheduled) maintenance on off-highway plant and equipment represents a significant health and safety hazard and major litigation risk for utility contractors completing service excavation and reinstatement works on public highways. Mini-excavators are a ubiquitous mobile plant item used for such tasks and have recently been responsible for several major injuries and fatalities involving workers and members of the public in the United Kingdom (UK). The research utilises the method of triangulation to examine the maintenance practices of utility contractors in the UK. Findings from the research reveal that a combination of prevailing market forces and internal 'company' pressures have inadvertently removed knowledgeable and trained operators, site foremen and managerial supervisors from hands-on maintenance inspections. Rather, 'virtual' maintenance protocols and procedures are adopted by head office but rarely fully implemented on-site. The research concludes with pragmatic recommendations and direction for future research.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Birmingham City University, 15 Bartholomew Row, Birmingham B5 5JU, UK. Electronic address: drdavidedwards@aol.com.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter E D
authors.initials: PED
authors.lastname: Love
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D060389:Construction Industry / Q000191:economics*; D017046:Cost Savings; D004869:Equipment Safety / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D017751:Safety Management / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Accident prevention; Maintenance; Mini-excavators; Safety