A good Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) policy is good for business. A demonstrated commitment  to the policy on the part of management is critical to the successful implementation of any SHE program.  A process that outlines the execution of sound SHE practices should be documented and communicated to all affected employees.  A summarization of the policy can be made available to customers and suppliers to communicate the commitment even more broadly.  It may prove to be your best marketing tool.

Here's a step by step approach.  There are many resources available on this website and at the links provided to get you on your way!

Establish and document a plan to meet the requirements of regulations (local, state, and federal), and to ensure safe use of products.  This plan should address issues including, but not limited to:

• Respiratory Protection Program
• Hazard Communication
• Injury and Illness Reporting
• Emissions Tracking
• Waste Management

Do what you say in the plan and communicate it to employees by identifying the specifics:

• Who is responsible for
• What aspect of the plan during
• When - specify the time frame or period of recurrence
• Where - specify the area: shop, booth, mix area, etc.
• Why - is this a regulatory requirement? Or, a Best Practice?
• How - provide the necessary tools, such as logs, equipment, etc.

Check the effectiveness of the plan periodically.

• Meet with employees routinely to evaluate the plan and to solicit feedback
• Verify that the processes are being followed
• Document any issues, then

Act - make corrections to the plan if indicated; make additions/deletions to the plan if warranted

Establish a Plan, Do, Check, Act process to assure compliance, safe procedures and continuous improvement.

The Compliance Department™, available from EnviroSafe Management - a DPC vendor partner - is a fee-based resource available to assist you in meeting your compliance needs.  The following Management Bulletins are a sampling of their offering.  For more information, contact EnviroSafe at 800-619-9733 (currently available in the U.S. only).

 
Significant EPA Regulation Affecting Collision Repair Industry

Air Conditioner Repair
Annual Employee Training Requirements
Booth Filter Testing
Chemical Inventory List & Material Safety Data Sheets
Compliance Walk-Through
Departmental Posters
GM Checklist
Hybrid Vehicle Safety
New Employee Process
OSHA Form 300: Injuries & Illnesses Log
OSHA's Revised Hexavalent Chromium Standard
Record Retention Requirements / Envirosafe Docusystem™
Respirator Compliance