Garages who do not encourage the use of protective clothing at work are putting the lives of their staff and the health of their business in danger, according to a leading industry body.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation says that if staff do not use safety goggles, ear defenders and protective hand-wear where necessary they could be injured, leaving employers and employees facing prosecution if an accident occurs.

Ian Davis-Knight, operations manager for the RMI, believes that by following safety guidelines garages can protect their staff and themselves.

He says: “Companies could find themselves in difficulty if they do not promote safe practice within the workplace. If they conform to safety guidelines, they will not only be defending their staff from injury they will also be safeguarding their business.”