Integrated TPM-ISO45001 model for improving the availability, operational safety and efficiency of transport fleets

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and the ISO 45001:2018 standard on improving the safety and operational efficiency of a fleet of freight transport vehicles. The study adopted a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive-propositive design, based on the analysis of historical records of mechanical failures, work-related incidents, and vehicle downtime. The methodology was developed over a six-month period, during which the most frequent failures were identified through Pareto analysis, a preventive and autonomous maintenance program was implemented, document management was strengthened using digital tools, and internal safety audits were applied, following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) continuous improvement cycle established in the ISO 45001:2018 standard. The results showed an average reduction of 40% in critical mechanical failures, as well as a significant improvement in operational efficiency indicators. The mean time to failure (MTTR) was reduced from 17 to 12 hours, while the operational availability of the transport units increased from 55.7% to 87.5%. Furthermore, no workplace accidents were recorded during the implementation period, in contrast to the five incidents reported before the improvement program was implemented. It is concluded that integrating TPM with the ISO 45001:2018 standard constitutes an effective and sustainable strategy for improving operational safety, optimizing maintenance efficiency, and ensuring the continuity of freight transport services, strengthening an organizational culture focused on prevention and continuous improvement.