When you ask a successful tire dealer what he or she does for a living, very few will respond, ”I sell tires.” Instead, the answer will have more to do with keeping the customer safe. It’s not just about fixing vehicles –- it’s about taking care of people.
Customers choose to do business with you based on confidence that your shop not only will solve their problem but also will perform the work to industry standards. Those standards include safety.
Something as routine as improperly attaching the wheel assembly to a vehicle can be deadly. Any mistake or skipped step in the repair process can compound over time into a safety concern. This is why checklists, processes and ongoing technician training are so important.
Also important is the physical facility of the shop itself. In all areas of the shop, good housekeeping is essential. Not only does it show your level of professionalism, but it also creates a safer environment for people in and around the shop.
The common emphasis on shop safety is often focused on service areas and bays, but customer areas need to be evaluated as well through the lens of creating the cleanest and safest environment possible.
This includes customer waiting areas, restrooms and even the exterior of the building, such as sidewalks and parking areas. Employees should be involved in evaluating customer safety as well.
Frequently inspect public areas for anything that might cause a person to trip, slip or fall. Outside inspection includes making sure that sidewalks and parking areas are in good condition, clearing any ice or snow from walkways, repairing any holes in the pavement, making sure entrances and parking spaces are clearly marked, etc.
Once inside the shop, be sure mats and rugs are in good repair and are smoothly positioned on the floor. Clean up any spills immediately. Replace any worn or slippery walking surfaces with safer options.
Be sure handrails are secure and the interior of the shop (including the public bathroom) is clean and well maintained. Make sure to maintain adequate aisle space on walkways, keeping rooms and hallways clear of clutter such as inventory, debris, and anything else that could cause injury to customers (and employees).
Lack of attention to safety details also can end up in online reviews such as Yelp, Google and on social media. Plus, any accidents and injury claims from people visiting your shop can result in increased insurance premiums. Attention and prevention are worth the investment.