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A car being assembled in a factory, showing the importance of O&M Procedures in the automotive manufacturing industry

Manufacturing companies rely on smooth and efficient operations to produce a high-quality and reliable product. Additionally, manufacturing businesses should work to maintain the utmost safety of employees. A significant factor that helps create a structured and safe work environment is operations and maintenance (O&M) procedures. Ensuring that O&M procedures are well-documented helps guarantee that employees know exactly what is expected of them. This, in turn, boosts employee efficiency and business output.

O&M procedures describe to workers how to use particular equipment to complete their tasks efficiently and safely. Many companies in manufacturing and shipping industries rely upon using heavy and complex machinery which can be quite dangerous. Even in the hands of skilled employees, there is always a chance of disaster striking. This, of course, is compounded when bringing inexperienced employees into the equation. An operation and maintenance procedural document can help employees operate equipment safely and produce consistent work.

In addition to maintaining safety in the workplace, O&M procedures have many other benefits. They can facilitate the assurance of quality control and can help employees optimize their use of company machinery.  Through this, operation and maintenance procedures aid employees in performing equipment-based tasks efficiently.  Adequate O&M procedures documentation helps create a safe and productive environment by providing employees with comprehensive, yet clear, instructional materials they can reference at a moment’s notice.

Why the Automotive Manufacturing Industry?

The automotive industry is one such type of manufacturing industry that requires employees to use dangerous machinery. From part production to testing, there are numerous areas for the possibility of injury to occur. In fact, the automotive manufacturing industry reports twice the national average of workplace injuries compared to all other U.S. industries.  Therefore, this industry more than most needs O&M procedure documents to help maintain workers’ safety while carrying out their responsibilities.

O&M Procedures 

Operation and maintenance procedures provide guidelines for the use and servicing of equipment used in the workplace. Comprehensive technical documentation of these O&M procedures helps keep repair costs down, maintain equipment, and keep workers safe. Operation and maintenance procedures include instructions for such procedures as proactive and reactive maintenance, the former of which uses preventive measures to keep equipment at optimum conditions. These procedures also outline steps to take in case of emergency, including who to alert and crisis communication. Regardless of your industry, every company can benefit from O&M Procedures.

Moreover, it is crucial to the safety of employees that technical documentation on O&M procedures references training. Before providing the means to repair equipment, it is important that an employee can operate the machinery correctly. This also helps employees identify if there is an issue with the machinery. Confirming that employees are using equipment properly also helps prolong the life cycle of said equipment.

Manufacturing industries must have thorough operation and maintenance procedures in order to create a safe and efficient working environment. Manufacturing industries must also prevent unnecessary shutdowns due to the mishandling of machinery or neglected repairs. Given that this type of technical documentation can be lengthy, it can be time-consuming to produce and continually update the documentation when needed. In this regard, seeking out a qualified, knowledgeable technical writer can help save time and ensure that the technical documentation created is accessible. 

O&M Procedures Documentation in the Automotive Industry 

A mechanic working on a car part, emphasizing the importance of O&M procedures for the automotive industry

In the automotive industry, the manufacturing of each auto body part requires different machinery. Complex machinery such as stamping presses, welding machines, and conveyor systems is used to produce parts. Unfortunately, the breakdown of any one of these machines can result in a halting of the entire manufacturer’s production. Stopping the entire manufacturing process is costly and can be prevented by implementing O&M procedures.

The automotive manufacturing industry also heavily relies on automated equipment in the entire production process, all of which need frequent maintenance. Proactive and preventative maintenance procedures should be well documented so that employees know what to look for to avoid production shutdowns. Especially when bringing new employees on board, having this documentation is key to their safety and success.

In 2018, the Department of Labor and Statistics reported that 30 percent of injuries that year in the transportation manufacturing industry occurred due to contact with an object or equipment. In the automotive industry, welders and machinists work with equipment that exposes them to risks of burns, lacerations, and even amputations. Though there is a risk of injury at every job, it is important to try and ensure your employees’ safety at work. Providing O&M procedures is a key step in making that dream into a reality.

How Can You Help Keep Your Employees Safe (and Business Successful)?

Employees in contact with such dangerous equipment must be knowledgeable in the safety procedures put in place for using such equipment. Employees must also be knowledgeable about how to handle their equipment in order to reduce the risk of injury. Some examples of employees handling equipment include operating with the proper PPE, or personal protective equipment, like welding helmets, aprons, face shields, and cut-resistant gloves. It is vital that these employees have the necessary operation and maintenance procedure documentation to do their jobs as safely as possible as well. Documented O&M procedures can assist these employees in making sure that they are following safety procedures closely and consistently. 

How EDC Can Help 

The automotive industry heavily relies on automated machinery that can be dangerous if not operated correctly. Additionally, if not monitored regularly, equipment repairs can become costly and can result in production stoppages. In order to maintain worker safety and make sure that equipment consistently runs smoothly, O&M procedures must be well-written and clearly documented. Hiring a technical writer for your documentation needs can help save time. It also can ensure high-quality technical documentation that will keep your business running smoothly.

Essential Data Corporation’s technical writers have years of experience under their belt in various technical industries, including software companies, financial companies, and biomedical companies. They are skilled in producing thorough documentation that is easily understandable. This is a critical requirement for O&M procedures. No matter your industry, they are here to help. 

Whether you need a single technical writer for a brief project, or a team of consultants to produce a complete line of documentation, the quality of our work is guaranteed for you. Our clients work closely with an Engagement Manager from one of our 30 local offices for the entire length of your project at no additional cost. Contact us at (800) 221-0093 or sales@edc.us