Working in an automotive repair shop requires the use of machinery and materials that may cause certain risks. Injuries in this workplace can be common and so it’s important to make yourself aware of these injuries. Awareness can help you prevent them in the future.
Bodily Injury
There is a lot of heavy machinery used in automotive repair shops. These machines may include winches, compressors, sprayers and more. It’s possible to get limbs caught in and under these machines as well as in vehicle parts. Workers may additionally lose digits, suffer lacerations, severe burns, and more. There are many ways you can avoid and prevent these types of injuries. First of all, it’s important that you give your employees proper training. They should know how to operate the machinery and also be made aware of the dangers associated with it. You can also consider posting signs to remind workers of important information. Your workers should also always wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are more common in workplaces that use certain types of paint or cleaning acids and solvents. These chemicals are highly flammable and put your business at further risk. In many cases, automotive repair shops will close after a fire because the cost of repairing the shop is too high. A fire can also lead to loss of life. To prevent fires, make sure your workplace is clean and organized. All chemicals should be stored and used properly. You should also have smoke detectors, sprinklers, and a fire alarm installed. It can also be helpful to have fire extinguishers that can address several types of fires (dry chemical extinguisher, carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, etc.).
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are among the most common injuries in the workplace. Working in an auto body shop includes working with many different materials such as grease or paint that may spill on the floor. This makes the floor extremely slippery and can be hazardous to workers. A fall could result in something as minor as a bruise or it could be more serious including broken bones, fractures, and concussions. To avoid these injuries, make sure spills are cleaned up immediately and that wet floors are marked accordingly. To further ensure the safety of your workers, you could also either provide or require special footwear with non-slip soles.
While injuries may be common, they are still preventable. Make sure you are aware of common types of injuries that occur in automotive repair shops. Knowing what could happen can help you to take the proper preventative measures.
Worried about your business liability? Check out our insurance products!