The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that reported injuries increased by 6.3% from 2020 to 2021. While the final 2022 injury rates haven’t yet been released, OSHA did just publish its list of the top 10 OSHA violations for 2022.
Smoke, chemicals and fumes in the workplace can be dangerous to employees’ respiratory health. Respirators are critical pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that provide necessary protection against hazardous air contaminants and must be worn correctly and fitted for each team member to ensure adequate safety.
At many auto repair and manufacturing facilities, injuries from lifting and performing stressful or repetitive movements are commonplace, many of which lead to prolonged workplace absences. In fact, numerous studies have shown that back pain typically leads to a workplace absence of 14 to 24 days.
OSHA has strict requirements governing respirator use and education for employees in auto repair facilities and manufacturing environments. In fact, OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires employers to have a written respiratory protection program, which includes respirator fit testing to ensure employees that are required to use a respirator know how to protect themselves from inhaling toxins and other hazardous airborne contaminants.
According to OSHA, more than 200 workplace fires occur daily, injuring more than 5,000 workers yearly. Auto repair and manufacturing facilities are particularly at risk due to the use of flammable materials such as paints and other volatile chemicals.
The continual growth of electric vehicles has introduced new and increasing dangers to the already-risky world of auto repair. According to investment bank UBS, 20% of all new cars will be electric by 2025, and 50% by 2030.
According to a Consumer Product Safety Commission report, more than 15,000 workers were treated in hospitals for automotive lift, jack or jack stand injuries between 2007 and 2013.
Nothing is more important than protecting your employees from injury. That means knowing and adhering to OSHA standards, such as ensuring emergency care is less than four minutes away and having CPR-trained staff on hand. Read our latest article to learn the primary sources of injury, and how to make your team aware, prepared and trained in case of a serious accident.
In the fast pace of your business, testing and fire safety record-keeping can fall through the cracks. Fire is one of the leading causes of death in the workplace, and auto repair and manufacturing facilities are especially vulnerable.
Keep your team members safe and your facility compliant with this must-see webinar for automotive repair and maintenance shops.
