Health & Safety

Step-by-Step Health & Safety

The overall requirement for any business is to provide a safe place of work for employees and any others who may be affected by what the organisation does.  It is a disappointing fact that in most years there are at least 5 deaths and over 1,000 serious injuries in the Motor Vehicle Repair industry (MVR) alone. Some individuals may think that automotive businesses are generally safe places to work but over recent years automotive sector accident rates are approaching those of the construction industry. Incidents of people being crushed beneath cars, being exposed to hazardous chemicals, being involved in explosions and being injured whilst using equipment are far too regular.

Health & Safety is best managed in a proactive manner (as are other essential business elements.) Good management will enable your automotive business to manage Health & Safety appropriately, comply with the law and most importantly it will protect people from your risks associated with your business. 

You need to consider a number of areas when planning and managing Health & Safety. It does not have to be onerous and by working through the basics you can put into place proportionate Health & Safety policies, systems and controls.

To get started you need to consider the following:

  • Decide what help you will need and who will provide this (refer to the section on competent advice)
  • Produce a Health & Safety Policy (use the template policy to get started)
  • Manage the ‘real' risks in your automotive business (consider what risks and use the risk assessment templates - visit the section on Risk Assessment). Typical automotive risks can include the use of workplace equipment, moving vehicles and the use of hazardous substances.
  • Provide training or information (you can use online training for some areas and/or classroom training), you cannot assume your people will do the right thing. Sometimes they will need training
  • Provide the right workplace facilities (consider what equipment you may need - see premises and equipment). This will range from showroom facilities all the way to garage and body shop equipment. Is your equipment maintained and fit for purpose and do your people know how to use it safely? Consider how you will deal with emergencies i.e. Fire & First Aid (review the emergencies section)
  • Consider how you will inform and consult with your employees
  • Make sure you cover mandatory requirements such as holding insurance and displaying the Health & Safety Law Poster
  • Consider how you will keep up to date (this site will provide you with updates on a regular basis. You may also wish to consider further competent advice)

How?

Health & Safety should be considered as another element of running your business. There are a number of Health & Safety phrases that can often cause panic and confusion. For a clear definition of these it is suggested that you click on the health & safety phrases section before you proceed any further. 

Once you are comfortable with these phrases, your next port of call is to start to work through the  Plan, Do, Check & Act model. This will provide you with your strategic plan and give your approach towards risk management direction & structure.