As the owner of an auto body and repair shop, you bear the responsibility of making sure all workers are protected from all possible risks. As a result, you provide training, protect your business and employees with coverage and supply the right safety equipment. You are on the right track!

However, it is important that you go much further than just providing. It is important that both you and your employees have a thorough understanding of each risk. This week, let’s focus on eye and face protection in your shop.

According to OSHA, thousands of individuals are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries, whether from flying or falling objects, sparks hitting the eye or even contact with chemicals. The sad part is, each of these injuries could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection. Since all of the above could happen in your shop, it is best to be prepared. Here are a few safety precautions your employees should be taking:

• Make sure all employees are wearing protective eye and face gear while working.

• Check to see that each employee’s eyewear or mask fit properly. Many injuries occur when this equipment is not suitable or fitting.

• Provide welding helmets and eye goggles to your workers.

• Keep an eyewash station in your shop for emergency situations.

• Hold an annual training session on how to use gear and equipment, as a refresher.

As you can see, preventing eye and face injuries in the shop is fairly simple. It is just up to you as a business owner to take this advice and pass along these precautions to your employees. Once you are aware, then you can provide equipment, gear and training. If you are interested in hearing more about garage insurance and workers compensation options for your shop, contact our agents at Wolpert Insurance.

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