Equipment Management: The Overlooked Link to Workplace Safety

Equipment is at the heart of how we work — yet it’s often an afterthought when we talk about organizational safety.

Whether it’s a forklift, a generator, a fire extinguisher, or even a simple hand tool, the hardware we rely on can be a silent contributor to incidents if not properly managed. In the SHELL model of human factors, "Hardware" represents the tools, vehicles, and equipment that interact with personnel — and stresses how mismatches, failures, or deficiencies can lead to safety risks.

Poor equipment management shows up in many ways:

• A missing fire extinguisher when seconds count

• A truck with poor tires operated in wintry conditions

• A scissor lift that fails because maintenance was overdue

• A broken hand tool that injures a worker

Each of these examples reflects a broader truth: when we don’t maintain control over our equipment, we expose our people to harm.

Equipment Management in Your Safety Management System (SMS)

Effective SMS frameworks recognize equipment as a key part of operational risk. Equipment should be included in:

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) — Identify the risks associated with the use or failure of equipment and include in your hazard register/safety risk profile.

• Training and Competency Programs — Ensure employees are trained to inspect and use equipment properly.

• Internal Audits and Inspections — Regularly review equipment records, pre-use inspections, and maintenance logs.

• Corrective and Preventive Actions — Address equipment failures promptly and learn from them to prevent recurrence.

An SMS without equipment management is incomplete. Equipment isn't "nice to have" — it's fundamental to providing a safe, effective work environment.

How Wombat’s New Equipment Management Module Helps

Wombat Safety Software’s new Equipment Management module brings equipment oversight into the digital age. With it, organizations can:
✔️ Maintain a live inventory accessible from field or office
✔️ Attach manuals, inspection checklists, and records directly to each asset
✔️ Easily track pre-use inspections and maintenance needs
✔️ Link maintenance requests directly to the specific piece of equipment
✔️ View the history of inspections and service for any asset in seconds

With Wombat, you can ensure that the equipment your staff rely on is always safe, accounted for, and ready for action.

Ready to integrate equipment management into your safety strategy? Contact Acclivix today and we’ll show you how!