SAFETY ALERT: HSE plans for motor repair & engineering sector

HSE launches targeted inspections of motor vehicle repair workshops 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a major new inspection campaign. This is to improve safety standards in motor vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain. 

Starting this autumn, HSE inspectors will visit over 1,000 workshops to make sure employers are staying compliant with legal requirements, and protecting their workers from harmful substances. 

Why are inspections happening? 

The main focus is on preventing occupational asthma – a serious condition that often affects vehicle paint sprayers. One common cause is exposure to isocyanates, chemicals found in two-pack (2K) paints, coatings, and lacquers.  

When sprayed, these substances release invisible mist that can reach dangerous levels in minutes. Even a small amount can trigger long-term breathing problems. 

What will inspectors look for? 

Inspectors will check workshops are following the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, which require employers to: 

• Prevent or control exposure by using effective engineering controls and safe working practices (extraction systems, spray booths, PPE). 

• Conduct regular health surveillance to spot early signs of occupational asthma or dermatitis. 

• Set up biological monitoring, e.g. urine testing, to confirm that control measures are working. 

The HSE stresses that these checks aren’t optional tick-boxing exercises – they’re legal obligations. If you fail to comply, you could face enforcement action, including improvement notices or prosecution. 

Why this matters 

With 21 fatalities in the motor vehicle repair industry over the last five years, as well as numerous cases of occupational illnesses, this new HSE campaign is about the importance of proactive safety management.  

Businesses that fail to act risk enforcement and the health of their workforce. 

What should businesses do now? 

If you run a motor vehicle repair workshop, you should: 

• Review your risk assessments and make sure all control measures are in good working order. 

• Set up health surveillance for employees working with isocyanate paints. 

• Introduce biological monitoring as part of routine safety checks. 

• Keep clear records to show inspectors you’re managing risks. 

Kate Jones, Team Lead of HSE’s Biological Monitoring, explains:  

“Biological monitoring, a simple urine test, is a quick and cost-effective way to check that control measures are working and being used properly, giving sprayers, duty holders and HSE confidence that spraying is being done safely.” 

 

Although these changes only apply in Great Britain, we’ve made customers in Ireland aware even if you’re in another nation so you know what the changes are if you have any GB branches. 

 

For more support with this or any other Health & Safety issue, call your 24/7 Health & Safety advice line on 0345 844 4848*.  

*Applicable for all clients who’ve purchased Citation’s HR & Employment Law and/or Health & Safety core service, including H&S and HR Workplace Expert. Please note that our H&S and HR Virtual Assistance clients have access to our advice line Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.