Magazine for the auto service professional
Issue link: http://asp.epubxp.com/i/684411
4 | ASP June 2016 Straight talk S hop safety is one of those topics that must be reviewed on a regular basis. It is also as enjoyable to discuss as sitting down to buy life insurance. I just hope my column reminds everyone to stop and take note of this important topic today. All of us must know the safety precau- tions and procedures that I certainly hope every shop has in writing for all employees. ASP's massive circulation of 150,000 goes to independent repair facilities of all shapes and sizes, not to mention feet maintenance departments and car dealerships. I realize some of you have very sophisticated safety programs in place, but I'm betting others do not. If you do not have a current policy in place, I'd suggest you adopt one. Tere are many resources available to you. First, make sure your shop is compliant at all levels, ranging from local all the way to federal safety standards. Talk with your insurance agent, equipment and parts sup- pliers, association executives and, yes, even the appropriate government agencies to put together a safety program to protect you and all your employees. In the meantime, you need to constantly be aware of potential hazards that you encounter on a daily basis. It only takes one mishap to result in a serious eye, skin, fnger, back or foot injury which could have easily been avoided if the issue of safety was taken more seriously. Here are a few common sense areas: • Wear eye protection. You only have two eyes, and they aren't replaceable. Even the cheapest pair of safety glasses is better than none. Safety glasses or goggles tend to take a beating since they're routinely tossed around and are either lost, scratched or broken. Keep a supply of safety glasses in one dedicated location, available to everyone in the shop. When you start to run low, order more. • Wear safety-compliant shoes or boots that provide good traction on dry, wet and oily surfaces. We're commonly dealing with heavy items such as cylinder heads, large impact guns, transmissions, breaker bars, etc., so your footwear needs sturdy steel Mike Mavrigian | Editor Make shop safety a top priority