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7 April 2009
Job Safety—It’s No Accident
Employees Who Can’t Work Will Cost You the Most
Who’s the costliest employee in your shop? Don’t look at salaries, because it’s a trick question: it’s the one who’s off work because of injury.
Everyone knows that repair shops are dangerous, and that it’s essential to train employees in proper procedures, maintain a safe working environment, and have a comprehensive Health & Safety plan in place. But it’s also important to identify potential hazards you may not have considered.
 Cages: essential for truck tires
When you’re working with truck tires, an inflation cage is a “must.” A tire rupture at these high pressures can be deadly, and multi-piece rims should never be inflated without one.
It’s equally important to ensure that it’s installed correctly and that technicians know how to use it. The cage must be free-standing and at least three feet (one metre) away from other objects; under no circumstances should it be bolted to the floor or placed too close to a wall. The cage absorbs the energy of the rupturing tire, and can deform if it’s bolted down.
It also doesn’t do much good if someone is reaching in to inflate the tire. A clipon chuck with an in-line valve must be used, with enough air hose so that the technician can stand a safe distance away. Finally, the technician should always wear safety glasses or a face shield, and inspect the tire to ensure it’s seated before it’s removed from the cage.
Treat compressed air with respect
Most people know that playing with compressed air for practical jokes is unacceptable, but think it’s fine as a cleanup tool. The air hose should never be used to blow off clothes or work surfaces.
Blasting clothing with air won’t result in bloodstream air embolisms, as some believe, but it can force metal filings or dirt into the skin, or blow them up into the eyes. There’s also a risk of accidentally pointing the hose at an eye or ear, which can have serious consequences.
Using the air hose to sweep off a work surface can send material flying, with the risk of eye damage. Use a brush or broom instead.
Back injuries: all too common
It’s estimated that eight out of ten people will suffer a back injury at some time in their lives; it’s almost impossible to find a repair shop that hasn’t had an employee out at some time with back or knee injuries. Reasons for the prevalence of these injuries include worker inexperience, underestimating an object’s weight, lifting improperly, or wanting to “get the job done,” without waiting for others to help or getting a mechanical device such as a dolly.
Technicians should be taught the right way to lift: squatting with the feet apart, hugging the load to the body, lifting with the legs, and turning the whole body to change direction, not just twisting at the waist.
While back belts are popular in many industries, several medical studies found that they made no difference. In some cases, they provide a false sense of security, leading workers to try to lift more.
A device that does make sense is hearing protection. Auto shops are noisy, and our ears don’t “build up” tolerance; if noise doesn’t bother you like it once did, it’s because your hearing is damaged, and unlike other injuries, it will never heal or reverse itself. Ear protection should be readily available, and comfortable enough that people will wear it.
Your employees are both among your greatest assets and your biggest expenses; their safety should be among your primary concerns. | |
