If you run a collision center, at times the OSHA guidelines can seem overwhelming. As you know though, keeping your shop in compliance is essential. No matter how challenging keeping up with these regulations can be, it’s a walk in the park compared to having an OSHA inspector show up – and your shop isn’t prepared.
The reality is that an OSHA inspector can show up unannounced at any time, so proper planning for surprise visits can help you avoid fines and other big headaches. According to the Safety First article in the August issue of Fender Bender magazine, this is becoming more of a reality for collision shops because OSHA is concerned about occupational health hazards and shop air quality for employees.
While it’s nearly impossible to be 100% compliant, the article outlines some of the more common problems that can be avoided if OSHA shows up at your door, including having a respiratory protection program, keeping chemical MSDS sheets handy, proper guarding of grinding wheels, and keeping fire extinguishers up to date. The article also cites the importance of providing ongoing shop hazard training programs, including making sure that your employees know how and when to use protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves.
Here are a few other steps to ensure you’re prepared if OSHA comes knocking:
1) Have Your Paperwork Ready – In minutes, you should be able to get your hands on your safety and equipment training records, proof of hazard communications and material safety data sheets. If you can’t produce this stuff quickly, the OSHA inspector might get the impression that your shop isn’t that organized and there are probably more violations to be found.
2) Let the Inspector In – By law you don’t have to let OSHA inspectors onto your property, but if you don’t, they can get a subpoena and come back. As you can imagine, once they show up with a subpoena, they’ll be checking everything thoroughly. So be prepared at all times and let them do their inspection any time they show up.
3) Fix What You Can on the Spot – When walking around with the inspector, if he points out something that’s a problem, if you can fix it on the spot – do it. The more the inspector sees that you’re concerned for the safety of your employees, the less likely he’ll be to leave you with a ton of fines.
4) Document Everything – If you have to make repairs after the inspector leaves, document your costs and any other information associated with the repairs. Once repairs are finished, send all of the documentation to the OSHA inspector along with “before and after” pictures. These simple steps could help you avoid a re-inspection.
Since there are literally thousands of OSHA regulations a collision shop has to follow, if you feel you’re in over your head consider hiring a private company to come in and do an inspection. This will give you an idea of what (if any) violations you need to address before OSHA might show up.
For more information or to view WURTH USA’s line of shop safety supplies, visit our website at http://www.wurthusa.com.