HEALTH & SAFETY
Last updated: September 2026
1. OUR COMMITMENT
Silesia Automotive / Car Garage Crewe is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors.
Vehicle servicing, diagnostics, mechanical repairs and recovery work involve hazards that must be properly assessed and controlled.
Safe working practices form part of the way our workshop operates and everyone working on the premises is expected to follow the relevant procedures and instructions.
2. RESPONSIBILITIES
Management is responsible for maintaining appropriate health and safety arrangements within the business.
Employees and contractors are also expected to:
- Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
- Consider the safety of other people who may be affected by their work
- Follow workshop procedures and safety instructions
- Use equipment correctly
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
- Report hazards, defects, incidents and unsafe conditions
3. RISK ASSESSMENTS
Appropriate risk assessments should be used to identify hazards associated with workshop activities and determine suitable control measures.
Risk assessments may cover areas including:
- Vehicle lifting
- Mechanical repairs
- Electrical work
- Vehicle movement
- Tools and machinery
- Hazardous substances
- Fire safety
- Manual handling
- Recovery operations
- Customer and visitor access
4. WORKSHOP SAFETY
Workshop areas should be maintained in a safe and orderly condition.
Employees must take appropriate precautions when working around vehicles, lifting equipment, moving machinery, tools and other workshop equipment.
- Work areas should be kept reasonably clean and free from unnecessary obstruction
- Spills should be dealt with promptly
- Tools should be stored safely when not in use
- Damaged or unsafe equipment should be reported and removed from use where necessary
5. VEHICLE LIFTING
Vehicles must only be lifted using suitable equipment and appropriate lifting points.
Lifting equipment must be used by competent persons and should be maintained and inspected in accordance with applicable requirements.
No person should work beneath a vehicle unless it has been safely supported using appropriate equipment.
6. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Workshop tools and machinery must be suitable for the intended task and used in accordance with relevant instructions.
Employees should not use equipment that they are not trained, competent or authorised to operate.
Guards, safety devices and protective features must not be intentionally bypassed or removed while equipment is in use.
7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Appropriate personal protective equipment may be required depending on the task being carried out.
This may include:
- Safety footwear
- Protective gloves
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Protective workwear
- Respiratory protection where required
8. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Automotive work may involve oils, fuels, brake cleaners, lubricants, coolants, adhesives, cleaning chemicals and other substances that can present health or safety risks.
Hazardous substances should be stored, handled and disposed of safely and appropriate control measures should be followed.
Safety information and product instructions should be available where required.
9. FIRE SAFETY
Fire exits and escape routes must be kept reasonably clear and accessible.
Flammable materials should be stored appropriately and sources of ignition controlled where necessary.
Employees should be familiar with the arrangements for raising the alarm and leaving the premises safely in an emergency.
10. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Electrical equipment must be used appropriately and obvious defects or damage should be reported.
Electrical repairs and work requiring specialist competence should only be carried out by appropriately competent persons.
11. VEHICLE MOVEMENT
Vehicles must be moved carefully within and around the workshop.
Drivers must remain aware of pedestrians, workshop equipment, other vehicles and restricted areas.
Keys should be managed appropriately to reduce the risk of unauthorised or accidental vehicle movement.
12. TEST DRIVES
Test drives should only be carried out where necessary and by suitably authorised and competent drivers.
Vehicles should be considered safe for road use before a test drive is undertaken.
13. CUSTOMER & VISITOR SAFETY
Customers and visitors should not enter workshop areas without appropriate permission.
Where access is necessary, visitors should follow staff instructions and remain aware that an automotive workshop contains moving vehicles, machinery and other hazards.
14. MANUAL HANDLING
Heavy or awkward components should be moved using appropriate lifting equipment or assistance where reasonably practicable.
Employees should avoid lifting loads that could reasonably create a risk of injury.
15. INCIDENTS & NEAR MISSES
Workplace accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and significant near misses should be reported promptly.
Incidents should be reviewed where appropriate so that causes can be identified and measures taken to reduce the risk of recurrence.
16. FIRST AID
Appropriate first-aid arrangements should be maintained for employees and other persons who may be affected by workshop activities.
Employees should know how to obtain assistance in the event of an injury or medical emergency.
17. CONTRACTORS
Contractors working on the premises are expected to work safely, follow relevant site rules and cooperate with Silesia Automotive regarding health and safety arrangements.
18. TRAINING & COMPETENCE
Employees should receive appropriate information, instruction, supervision or training for the work they are required to undertake.
Specialist work should only be carried out by individuals who have the necessary competence, knowledge or qualifications.
19. REVIEW
Health and safety arrangements should be reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur to the workplace, equipment, working methods or services provided.
20. CONTACT
If you have a health and safety concern relating to our premises or services, please contact us.