Ready to dive into the critical topics of safety and compliance within the automotive service aftermarket? Tom Herrmann shares valuable insights on maintaining a safe work environment, including hazard communication, safety data sheets, labels for chemicals, and the importance of employee training and clear safety policies. Tom emphasizes the role of safety as a form of salesmanship, advocating for selling the importance of safety to employees rather than focusing on potential fines and violations. The episode aims to instill a sense of responsibility in listeners, highlighting the importance of safety to prevent accidents and maintain a productive workforce.

Tom Herrmann, Small Business Safety & Compliance Company, LLC.


Show Notes




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Tom's background and experience (00:01:28) Tom shares his experience as a safety officer for the federal government and a compliance officer in the dealership network.
Hazard communication and safety data sheets (00:06:42) Tom explains the importance of hazard communication and safety data sheets for chemicals in the workplace.
Training and safety policies (00:05:37) Tom emphasizes the importance of training employees and having clear safety policies in place.
Labels for chemicals and emergency action plan (00:13:50) Tom discusses the necessity of proper labeling for chemicals and the importance of an emergency action plan for workplace safety.
Hazard Communications (00:15:04) Discussion on the importance of hazard communication and the need for updated safety data sheets for chemicals.
Lockout Tagouts (00:15:32) Explanation of lockout tagout procedures for equipment safety, including a real-life incident and the importance of proper training.
Equipment Safety (00:16:44) Importance of tagging and locking out malfunctioning equipment for safety, with examples of floor jacks and bench grinders.
Bench Grinders and Eye Protection (00:17:37) Discussion on the necessity of eye protection when using bench grinders and the importance of following safety standards.
Safety Inspections (00:19:37) Importance of regular safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace.
Eyewash Stations (00:20:11) The significance of eyewash stations and their compliance with safety standards for emergency eye flushing.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (00:21:28) Discussion on the responsibility of shop owners to provide and enforce the use of personal protective equipment for employees.
Respiratory Protection (00:23:36) Importance of respiratory protection, medical evaluations, and fit testing for employees working with hazardous chemicals.
Life Safety and Lift Safety (00:26:55) Overview of life safety measures, including the certification of automotive lifts and the importance of proper vehicle positioning on lifts.
Certifications for Lift Installation (00:28:37) Discussion on the certification process for companies that install lifts and the availability of qualified and certified lift inspectors.
Proactive Safety Measures (00:30:09) Emphasizing the importance of proactivity in safety measures, including monthly inspections, resources available, and reaching out for assistance.
Safety Specialist Training (00:31:19) Exploring the idea of having a safety specialist in the shop and the training options available through OSHA education centers.
Equipment Maintenance and Compliance (00:31:55) Focus on the importance of maintaining equipment, including lockouts, respiratory protection, PPE,...