According to the Department of Labor, about 180,000 people worked in auto shops in 2016. For these workers, auto shop safety has to be one of their biggest priorities. Following proper safety procedures is important in auto shops due to how many things can potentially cause injuries…
Auto Shop Safety: Preventative Measures
Keep a clean workshop
Keeping things clean is an important, but often overlooked, part of auto shop safety. Loose car parts and tools can build up over the course of a workday. These loose parts could potentially cause someone to get hurt if they trip or slip on them.
It helps to keep organized piles of removed parts so they aren’t in the way of others. Make sure that these piles are not in the common walkways of the shop. Additionally, make sure that these piles aren’t blocking emergency exits as well.
Use protective equipment
Auto shop work can be dangerous depending on the task. In fact, eye and hand injuries are some of the most common for workers. Therefore, it’s important to use protective equipment when practicing proper auto shop safety.
Make sure to wear protective eye-wear and gloves when handling sharp and jagged objects. Additionally, if you’re doing paint or chemical work, make sure to protect yourself as well. Particle masks and protective suits are good choices and should be worn together to protect your entire body, inside and out.
Use the right tools
Working in an auto shop can involve heavy lifting and working in awkward positions. These can quickly cause wear and tear on your body. Using the right tools and equipment can help you alleviate the strain on your body.
Jacks and other lifting aids can help you move heavy objects without putting strain on your body. Doing stretches also helps your body after working in an unnatural position for a long time. If you feel like your body needs a break, it’s best to take one rather than push on and increase the chance of injury.
Staying safe in an auto shop is like staying safe in any other workplace. One has to be aware of their surroundings as well as what they’re working on. Doing so will help keep you, and those around you, safe during each shift.