How can tools and equipment contribute to workplace hazards if not maintained?

Tools and equipment play a crucial role in workplace safety, and their maintenance is essential to prevent potential hazards. When tools and equipment are not properly maintained, they can degrade in performance and reliability. This degradation can lead to malfunctions during use, such as snapping, breaking, or failing to operate as intended. Such malfunctions can directly result in accidents, potentially causing injuries to the user or others nearby.

For instance, an unmaintained power tool may have worn-down parts that can cause it to overheat or fail unexpectedly, which can pose serious risks. Regular maintenance checks help ensure that tools function correctly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents in the workplace. Therefore, the aspect of poorly maintained tools malfunctioning, which can lead to accidents, is a key reason for the importance of consistent upkeep in workplace safety practices.