For tradespeople the tools required for their given discipline are a lifeline, and most trades can’t be completed without them.
Tool theft is the top concern for tradespeople, and that’s no surprise given research estimates that this costs trades almost £100 million each year.
Factor that in alongside tools being broken, or requiring replacement after reaching the end of their working lifecycle and it quickly becomes clear that looking after tools is a number-one priority for anyone working in any trade.
Here’s some ways you can prevent these costs from spiralling out of control.
Be proactive with security
If you’re operating on a worksite or own business premises, make sure it is properly secure – both when you’re not there and when you are.
When you’re packing up for the day, make sure tools are properly stored and kept out of sight, lowering the chances of thieves having their attention drawn.
Prevent break-ins by opting for strong locks on your doors. Combine a mortice lock with extra-strong padlocks to prevent entry.
CCTV systems also work as a deterrent and can also be used to catch any criminals that do infiltrate your worksite – potentially helping you recoup any items that are stolen.
Utilise technology
The days of manually written inventory lists are gone. Now, tool-tracking technology allows you to digitally compile all of your equipment and monitor its location if something goes missing.
Whether something has been left on a different worksite, back at your yard, or it’s been stolen, you’ll be able to track it down – much in the same way that you might a lost or stolen mobile phone.
Some platforms also take performance readings from your tools, forewarning you when components need replacing, or if the entire system is about to go kaput.
By implementing small fixes when required, you will have less need to splash out on larger-scale replacements, giving you more time and cash to focus on your projects.
Offer thorough training
If you have people in your employment, make sure they are properly and thoroughly trained on how to use each piece of kit that you need to do your job.
Improper handling can result in errors being made, which in turn could result in damage to your equipment and your bottom line being affected when you have to pay for replacements.
If members of your workforce are more experienced than others, it might also pay to let them handle your more complex or heavy tools.
This not only lessens the chances of accidents happening but also gives your junior staff members a chance to see the tools being used out in the workforce, adding to their training in the process.
