If you run an auto body shop, the safety of your workers and customers should be your top priority. Fortunately, there are many easy steps that you can take to ensure that no one gets hurt while in your establishment. Even if taking these steps can be expensive, you can avoid costly lawsuits or damage to your brand by making your shop as safe as possible.
Make Sure Employees Have Protective Gear
When working on a vehicle, employees may be exposed to toxic fumes, sparks and other hazards. Therefore, they should be given googles, boots and other protective gear to wear while they are in the garage itself. The protective gear should fit properly and comfortably to ensure that workers will want to wear it.
Install a Ventilation System
Cars are typically full of oil, gas, and other substances that can be dangerous to breathe or come into contact with. The use of industrial fan products can make it easier to remove polluted air in favor of air that is safe to breathe in. Workers can also be given masks to wear that will filter out bad air and replace it with air that isn’t hazardous to their health.
Employees Should Understand Machine Safety
Your workers should be trained to use vehicle lifts or other machines that are used to position cars to be inspected or repaired. Ideally, they will know how to turn a machine off within seconds if an emergency arises. You can also choose to purchase equipment that will shut itself off automatically if it detects a hand, arm or other foreign object. Physical barriers or other guards can also be used to ensure that a lift or other mechanical object isn’t running when it’s not supposed to be.
Keep the Garage Clean and Dry
A wet floor can increase the risk that someone will slip or fall, which can result in a serious injury. Workers could also be hurt if they trip or stumble over tools or other items left on the floor. Workers should be encouraged to report a hazard or take action to mitigate any hazards that they notice in their work areas.
A safe workplace is generally a productive workplace full of focused and happy employees. The revenue generated from that increased productivity will likely negate the money spent on improving your company’s safety record. Furthermore, a company known for its attention to detail is likely to attract quality talent and a legion of loyal customers.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
