Injured in the line of duty

The motor trade industry does not have a good record for accidents in the workplace, with fatal and 'all injuries' accident rates higher than they should be considering the hi-tech environment of modern garages and service centres.

Recently published Health & Safety Executive statistics for 2003/2004 on workplace safety, work-related ill health and enforcement action in the UK show an increase in the number of fatal injuries and of reported major injuries (including those to motor trade employees) on the previous year.

And it will not come as a surprise that insurers have seen a corresponding increase in employers' liability claims from motor traders.

Being struck by a moving vehicle accounts for 19% of fatal injuries across industry as a whole, with a disproportionate number coming from the motor trade.

Moving vehicles

It is a constant source of amazement that, in a technologically advanced, sophisticated workplace, it is possible for there to be such a high number of accidents caused by employees being struck by a moving vehicle. Preventing this type of accident is not rocket science, yet year on year we see an unacceptably high incidence of such accidents.

Over one-third of all reported major injuries are caused by slipping and tripping, with the majority of employees being injured while handling, lifting or carrying objects. Respiratory and skin disorders such as asthma and contact dermatitis also feature high on the list as causes of occupational ill health.

Some of the reasons motor trade employees are at such high risk from these types of accidents are listed in the box (right).

All motor traders face these risks; it is a part of the job. Therefore, it is even more essential that they reduce the impact these risks could potentially have on their business. By preparing risk assessments and implementing safe working practices, including suitable training arrangements, employers can provide protection for their workers.

All of our clients have a responsibility to their employees to provide a safe place to work. There is a mistaken assumption in some quarters that insurance is there to cover any costs associated with an accident in the workplace. Accidents do happen, and insurers are there to pick up the pieces financially.

But, brokers' customers sometimes forget the hidden costs of an accident in the workplace. For example, if a skilled worker is injured and unable to return to his or her previous job, the motor trader has to face not only the cost of recruiting a replacement, but the possible consequences of not being able to find a replacement with the right level of skills.

Damage to the business can be avoided if health and safety is taken seriously and measures implemented effectively.

Spending time on workplace inspections can pay dividends in preventing or reducing the potential for accidents and occupational ill health. A brief periodic inspection provides the chance to pick up not only on housekeeping issues and bad habits that could result, for example, in an increase in the risk of slips and trips, but also gives the opportunity to review whether controls that have previously been put in place are indeed working.

Controls

These controls may take the form of providing work equipment that is adequate and suitable for the job being carried out, such as supplying lifting aids that will avoid or reduce the need for manual handling, or the provision of instruction, information and training to employees.

The HSE provides comprehensive advice on how to prevent accidents, for example, by providing and maintaining level floors, marking gangways and keeping work areas tidy.

But, having the right precautions in place is simply the first step in reducing the number of accidents suffered by motor trade employees. It is also vital that the employer maintains constant checks to ensure staff are adhering to those guidelines. Simply by questioning the employee on how they do their work could highlight the fact that they have adopted an unsafe way of doing the job, and will then flag up the need for a review of training arrangements.

Motor traders cannot afford to be complacent about the hazards that employees face in their business. Of the 80 deaths of workers in the service industries during 2003/2004, eight occurred in the sales, maintenance and repair fields of the motor vehicle sector. That is an unacceptable figure that motor traders, brokers and insurers should be working together to reduce.

The only acceptable figure in this case is zero.

- Steve Maguire, Motor trade manager, Allianz Cornhill.

HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES

Reasons why motor trade employees are at such high risk of injury in the workplace include the following:

- Employees may have to work on high-sided vehicles or near open inspection pits.

- The movement of vehicles will be commonplace and work equipment or vehicle parts may fall from raised lifting tables, striking an employee working below.

- Electrical cables and air-line hoses - together with tools, discarded vehicle parts and residual oil and grease on workshop floors - increase the risk of slipping and tripping.

- Vehicle engines, gearboxes and other heavy parts have to be lifted, carried and manhandled into place.

- Paint spraying is undertaken and oils handled.