As an auto body and repair shop owner, you are aware of all the potential risks that both you and your employees are exposed to on a daily basis. Luckily, there are OSHA standards in place that can help minimize threats in the shop. However, there is no way to always be 100% immune to these risks. The best owners and workers can do is to be careful, follow standards and stay covered with reliable garage insurance.

The first step to staying safe is to recognize the risks. Many times, workers may be unaware of the potential hazards in the workplace, making them much more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. In order to help you better understand your risks, we have put together a series of OSHA standard blog posts. The first order of business: hazardous and toxic substances.

According to the United States Department of Labor, hazardous and toxic substances are defined as “those chemicals present in the workplace that are capable of causing harm. The term chemical refers to dusts, mixtures, paints, fuels and solvents.” Currently, OSHA regulates exposure to about 400 substances. In order to protect yourself and your workers from these chemicals, it is important to:

• Provide training in OSHA standards and training guidelines;

• Make sure the workplace is well-ventilated;

• Understand the toxic substances that you are using;

• Wear chemical-protective clothing;

By following these rules and being aware of OSHA standards, both you and your employees will be lowering risk and injuries in the workplace. If for some reason you DO have to face an injury or issue, you have our garage insurance to turn to for protection. This specific policy can provide workers compensation, group benefits, garagekeepers coverage, garage liability coverage, auto insurance, equipment and tools coverage and much more. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to speak with our experts at Wolpert Insurance!

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