Car Wash Employee Safety

Certain workplaces are more dangerous for employees than others. Workplaces where employees perform manual labor have a higher incidence of employee injury than more sedentary jobs because the more time a worker spends climbing, carrying objects, and operating machinery, the more chances they have of being injured.

Although it might not initially be obvious, car washes can be quite dangerous for employees. In addition to the physical labor of working at a car wash, employees must maneuver across wet, slippery floors. Often, these floors are wet with soapy water that makes them even more slick. When an employee is injured at work, they can file a Workers’ Compensation claim to access certain benefits. In many cases, avoiding an accident is far easier than pursuing a Workers’ Compensation claim. Below are four ways car wash employees can keep themselves safe.

The Right Footwear Can Prevent Slipping

In any workplace where employees are required to do a lot of walking on wet or slippery surfaces, non-skid shoes are vital. This includes car washes. The right shoes for the job are shoes that provide a sufficient level of traction and protection for the feet. They should be replaced as soon as their soles wear down and become smooth.

Employees Should be Vigilant

Another way to avoid slipping and falling is to be aware of one’s surroundings. Employees should not use their phones during their shifts because walking and working while one’s eyes are glued to a phone screen is a recipe for an accident. Employees should also look for hazards and clean them up or repair them in a timely manner.

Keeping the Workplace Clean and Organized Will Keep It Safe

When debris is strewn around a workplace, it creates a slip and fall hazard for employees. Workers should clean up after themselves and pick debris up off the floor when left by others. Oil, water, soap, and wax spills should also be contained and cleaned up as soon as possible. Other ways to keep a car wash facility safe include putting equipment away after use and using nearby outlets for electrical items, rather than running wires across the work area floor.

Certain Slip and Fall Hazards Change During Seasons

It is not uncommon for car washes to be partially or completely outdoor. During the fall, piles of leaves can create a slip and fall hazard, and this hazard is only made worse by heavy autumn rains. When fall becomes winter, snow and ice replace leaf piles, creating a different, but equally dangerous hazard. Employees and car wash owners should take care to remove these seasonal outdoor hazards as soon as possible after they fall or accumulate to keep workers and customers safe from injury.

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Represent Injured Workers Seeking Compensation for Their Damages

If you were injured in a workplace accident, you have the right to seek benefits for your related damages. To learn more, contact DiTomaso Law today to schedule your initial consultation with our team of experienced Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers. Fill out our online form or call us at 856-414-0010 to get started. We are in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and serve clients throughout the state.