Expert Calls Improvements Following Initiative

Health and safety standards at vehicle repair premises across Kent must improve following a series of inspections, a workplace injury expert has demanded.

The Health and Safety Executive has revealed that almost one in two sites visited in the region, as part of a campaign run since the start of November, were ordered to make improvements to protect workers.

Over 80 notices have been issued for a range of issues, including unsafe electrics and vehicle lifts, as well as dangerous welding equipment.

Among the areas targeted in the inspections was Swale, where 12 improvement notices and two prohibition notices were issued across 13 sites.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injury claims at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The news that around half of the premises visited in this campaign were issued with notices is deeply concerning, particularly as this is an area of work where employees can face a number of risks.

“While the sites in Kent will undoubtedly be keen to improve on the findings, I hope that this research serves as an example to firms in others parts of the UK that they need to take the safety of workers seriously.

“Failure to do so would expose them and their workers to major consequences.”