Great West | Blog

Eight Ways to Improve Shop Safety | Great West Casualty

Written by Great West | 11/9/23

A maintenance shop is full of hazards that can lead to a serious injury or illness. Below is a brief list of safe work practices to follow when working in or around the shop. Read this information and consider putting the list items into practice to help protect yourself and others.

Shop Safety

 

Avoid Distractions

  • Be attentive to your surroundings.
  • Watch for slip, trip, and fall hazards. 
  • Focus on the task at hand. 

 

Communicate Hazards

  • Use signage to warn others of hazards. 
  • Follow lockout/tagout procedures. 
  • Report hazards immediately to management. 

 

Keep Areas Clean

  • Remove trip hazards from walkways. 
  • Clean slip hazards immediately. 
  • Properly store equipment when not in use. 

 

Utilize PPE

  • Wear personal protective equipment. 
  • Use fall protection in elevated positions. 
  • Ensure visitors wear required PPE. 

 

Inspect Areas

  • Conduct daily inspections. 
  • Report hazardous conditions. 
  • Implement corrective measures. 

 

Obey Shop Rules

  • Utilize three points of contact. 
  • Do not horseplay in the shop. 
  • Focus on the task at hand. 

 

Label Chemicals

  • Use properly labeled containers. 
  • Store flammables in approved cabinets. 
  • Maintain Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals. 

 

Maintain Supplies

  • Ensure first aid kits are stocked. 
  • Replace outdated equipment (ex. air filters).
  • Keep fire extinguishers full and accessible. 

The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent. 

Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company.

One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers. Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.

 
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