In the know
Auto Body Shop Customer Safety
"An in-depth view on how auto shops can make sure to keep their customers safe. This article will provide safety measures to pre-emptively secure your business and prevent liability claims."
Take proper measures to keep customers safe
Auto body shops present a variety of hazards, including the use of dangerous chemicals, exposure to paint fumes, exposure to sanding dust, metal fumes from welding and cutting, hearing damage from excessive noise, the potential for oil or grease spills leading to slips and falls, flying debris, electrical exposures and the general peril of working with large, heavy machinery.
Though you are well aware of these dangers, customers visiting your garage or shop probably do not fully understand the potential risks. Because customers are not equipped with training or proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and you may be liable for any injuries incurred in the shop, it is important to take proper measures to keep them safe.
Take the Safe Route
Your best bet for keeping customers free from injury is to keep them in the designated waiting areas and away from the garage altogether. It is recommended that you make sure signs indicate employee-only zones to warn customers of potential hazards in entering the shop floor.
A good rule of thumb is to take customers into the garage only when it is absolutely vital to completing the job. Remember that if your company is indeed liable for customers’ injuries while inside the garage, you might be better off discussing repairs away from potential auto shop hazards in the long run.
Factors to Consider
If you decide that taking a customer back into the shop and away from the designated waiting areas is the only feasible option, here are some things to consider to protect him or her from harm:
- Be sure the shop is clean and orderly. Clean up all oil, grease and water spills promptly, and remove all tools or other objects left in walking paths. Make sure there are no exposed sharp edges around the shop where visiting customers could cut themselves.
- Check frame straightening machines and hydraulic pressure hoses regularly for signs of excessive wear to prevent the possibility of chain snapping.
- Make sure the areas of the shop where the customer visits are properly ventilated and free of any harmful fumes.
- Ask that the customer keep any food or drinks in the designated waiting area, as any dust from the shop could potentially contaminate these items.
James Lundy
James Lundy brings over a decades worth of experience of relational management to First Underwriters. He has worked with people of all ages and prides himself on being the first and last person a company needs in order for them to feel appreciated, cared for and most importantly – protected.
He specializes in the construction, contractor fields as well as the Allied Health & Medical Fields due to his B.S. in Biochemistry.
His knowledge base derives from a degree in Biochemistry, a decade as a small business owner and a stint as a top employee at AT&T.
He is currently pursuing his Masters In Business & Administration from Northwest University.
James Lundy
James Lundy brings over a decades worth of experience of relational management to First Underwriters. He has worked with people of all ages and prides himself on being the first and last person a company needs in order for them to feel appreciated, cared for and most importantly – protected.
He specializes in the construction, contractor fields as well as the Allied Health & Medical Fields due to his B.S. in Biochemistry.
His knowledge base derives from a degree in Biochemistry, a decade as a small business owner and a stint as a top employee at AT&T.
He is currently pursuing his Masters In Business & Administration from Northwest University.
Whats Next?
For more information about Truckers, Garage Keepers and Auto Repair please contact:
James Lundy, Risk Specialist
(425) 296-9802
