Safety should be top of mind in any work environment and car workshops are no exception. In fact, it’s especially important for auto repair due to the potentially dangerous equipment used.
So, what can you do to help make your car workshop as safe as possible?
In this article, we’ll share four safety tips for your car workshop.
Focus on safe lifting
Lifting heavy objects is unavoidable in automotive repair shops, whether when using vehicle lifts on cars or using lifting slings to move heavy parts. Using any lifting equipment incorrectly can lead to falling objects, creating serious injury or even fatality risks.
Investing in training will pay off in this area. Take the time to train new staff thoroughly and schedule regular refreshers for even the most experienced workers. Everyone needs to know how to operate lifting equipment safely and what to do in the event of an accident.
Inspect equipment regularly
If a tool or machine breaks or stops working in the middle of a job, it could cause serious injury. So, you need to regularly check that all equipment in your shop is in working order.
Not sure how to inspect a specific piece of equipment properly? Consult the manual or handbook it came with. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer. It’s better to go through the extra hassle that comes with a thorough inspection, rather than risk injury.
Improve tool storage
Work is busy in an auto repair shop and time is always of the essence. Because of this, it’s easy to get into the habit of not storing equipment correctly. But not only can a badly organised shop deprive you of valuable time and money, but it could also create safety hazards.
According to data published by Health and Safety Executive, slips, trips and falls accounted for 30% of non-fatal workplace injuries. So, it’s important you keep your shop floors as clear as possible. The best way to do this is to invest in better storage solutions. From high density storage to solutions that use vertical space, there are so many ways to keep your equipment safely tucked away.
Use proper PPE
Since you work with hazardous chemicals and heavy-duty equipment in a car workshop, there are countless types of injuries that can occur – ranging from repetitive strain injuries all the way to chemical burns.
You need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep yourself safe. This could include anything from basic protective clothing like durable coveralls, gloves and safety glasses, to more specialised bits of equipment such as chemical protective suits.
Which of these tips could most improve the safety in your car workshop?