Thursday, May 14, 2015

OSHA and the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair renew alliance to protect workers in the car repair industry

May 13, 2015
  Contact: Office of Communications
   Phone: 202-693-1999 


WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has renewed its alliance with the Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair. The alliance will provide CCAR members and others with training and resources to help protect the safety and health of workers in the car repair industry, as well as information on workers’ rights and employer responsibilities under the OSH Act.

“Workers in automobile repair shops are exposed to a variety of chemical and physical hazards,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Our renewed alliance will continue to focus on training and education about the hazards workers face in their jobs and the necessary actions that employers must take to keep them safe.”

Through the alliance, OSHA and CCAR will develop training for automotive lift safety; working with absorbed glass mat batteries and automotive air conditioning refrigerant, with an emphasis on the hazards of contaminated refrigerant.

CCAR, established in 1994, is a nonprofit organization that provides safety, pollution prevention and HazMat training, along with educational and environmental best practices for the global motor vehicle industry. The alliance agreement has been renewed for five years.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources; share information about agency initiatives, resources, and programs with workers and employers; and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.