Published: October 15, 2020  Updated: May 08, 2025

Maintaining Safety During COVID-19: How CMMS Aids Maintenance Teams

The ongoing presence of COVID-19 presents significant challenges for businesses, particularly concerning the health and safety of their workforce. Companies actively seek effective methods to minimize the risk of viral transmission and maintain operational continuity. This discussion details how a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) aids teams and gives essential COVID-19 prevention strategies within a maintenance context. By integrating preventative measures into daily workflows, organizations can create a safer working environment.

Fundamental COVID-19 Prevention in the Workplace

Even as the pandemic evolves, certain preventative strategies remain crucial for limiting the spread of COVID-19 in workplace settings. Employers must stay informed about and consistently apply the latest guidance from health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This commitment demonstrates a proactive approach to employee well-being and operational stability.

Prioritizing Hygiene and Environmental Controls

Consistent emphasis on basic hygiene practices forms a primary line of defense against viral transmission. This includes frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. When soap and water are not readily available, employees should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Furthermore, regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces are vital. This includes workstations, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. These routine measures significantly reduce the potential for surface contamination.

Managing Sick Employees and Promoting Health Awareness

A critical component of any prevention strategy involves taking precautions with employees who exhibit symptoms of illness. Companies should implement policies that allow and encourage sick employees to stay home to prevent the spread of infection. Clear communication regarding these policies and the importance of not coming to work while sick is essential. Additionally, employers should continuously research and disseminate updated information on preventing exposures and infections, fostering a culture of health awareness within the workplace.

The Importance of Clear and Consistent Communication

Open and transparent communication plays a vital role in the success of any COVID-19 prevention plan. Employers should regularly communicate updates on policies, procedures, and any potential exposures within the workplace. Clear signage reminding employees of preventative measures, such as handwashing and mask-wearing, can also reinforce these behaviors. Consistent messaging helps build trust and encourages adherence to safety protocols.

Integrating COVID-19 Strategies with a CMMS for Maintenance Safety

A Computerized Maintenance Management System offers a powerful platform for incorporating COVID-19 prevention strategies directly into the daily tasks of maintenance personnel. By leveraging the features of a CMMS, organizations can create a more structured and safer environment for their maintenance teams.

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Work Order Management and Safety Protocols

The work order module within a CMMS can actively contribute to maintenance safety. For instance, administrators can add essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, as required parts to be issued with specific work orders. This ensures that technicians have the necessary protective gear before commencing a task. Moreover, the work order description field offers an opportunity to include specific safety instructions related to COVID-19, such as "COVID-19: equipment sterilization required before and after maintenance" or "Adhere to social distancing guidelines during this task." Prioritizing work orders related to COVID-19 safety measures, such as the repair of hand sanitizing stations, demonstrates a commitment to a safe working environment.

Preventative Maintenance for a Healthier Workplace

Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedules managed within a CMMS can incorporate routine COVID-19 safety measures. This includes generating daily work requests with checklists for maintenance staff to wipe down shared equipment surfaces and conduct team temperature checks before shifts begin. Managers can work with the CMMS provider to set up the system to trigger PM tasks after the return of a shared tool, prompting its thorough sanitization before the next use.

Adding documentation to PM procedures that explicitly outlines the requirement for wearing face coverings and maintaining a safe distance reinforces these practices during maintenance activities. The CMMS can also schedule regular tasks for the replacement of hand sanitizers and the replenishment of materials at hand wash stations, ensuring these resources remain readily available.

< h3 class="blog2">Inventory Management of Essential Supplies

The inventory management capabilities of a CMMS are invaluable for tracking and managing critical supplies related to COVID-19 prevention. This includes monitoring the levels of Personal Protective Equipment such as masks, gloves, and face shields, as well as sanitary wipes, disinfectants, and cleaning solutions. The system can generate reports on the usage of these items, providing insights into consumption rates and informing procurement decisions.

By accurately tracking inventory, including usage location and date, organizations can avoid shortages and ensure that maintenance personnel have the necessary resources to perform their duties safely. The CMMS can also help identify the amount of resources specifically allocated to COVID-19-related actions, providing valuable data for cost analysis and future planning.

Planning and Preparation for Potential Outbreaks

While the immediate focus remains on prevention, a CMMS can also aid in planning and preparation for potential large-scale outbreaks. By having a centralized system that tracks equipment, personnel, and inventory, organizations can more effectively manage resources and coordinate responses if an outbreak occurs. The data within the CMMS can help identify critical assets that require continued maintenance even during periods of disruption and facilitate the efficient allocation of personnel to essential tasks while adhering to safety protocols.

Moving beyond immediate responses, the thoughtful integration of a CMMS into maintenance workflows establishes a proactive stance toward employee well-being. This approach cultivates a resilient and secure operational landscape, prepared to adapt to evolving health challenges.

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