u/Apprehensive_Egg9182

Not my photo - screenshot from another post here that reminded me I should ask this. The motor cover for my walking pad is broken and does not lay flat so I usually plop it on the floor above the motor like in that image. I set it on top of the innards when not walking to keep dust/pets away from the inside. I know nothing about engines or the inner workings of walking pads. Are there drawbacks or safety issues to this outside of the cosmetic aspect? Does it shorten the life span of my walking pad?