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Carwash worker safety tips
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Carwashes, like any other business, come with their own set of risks and safety regulations.  As vital as it may be to protect cars coming through the wash, if you are an employee or run a carwash business, protecting the safety of your employees and patrons is of equal importance.
Regulations from OSHA and ICA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the ruling body when it comes to regulations related to workplace safety, and the International Carwash Association works closely with them.  It is important to have a general idea of their requirements which are put in place to protect employees and business owners. In relation to carwashes, the main focus is safety related to slips, trips, and fall injuries because of the presence of soap, oil, slime, grime, wax, and dirt. While other accidents can occur, these account for the majority of safety concerns.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Car wash employees constantly work on potentially slippery surfaces coated in wax, soap, dirt, and oil. Slips, falls, and trips can cause broken bones, concussions, sprains, and other painful injuries which can lead to big expenses. Carwash employees should take proper precautions such as being mindful of their surroundings, wearing proper footwear, and clothing to avoid injury.
Waterproof footwear and flooring
When dealing with a workplace fraught with dangers, it is important to follow a few simple rules to avoid injury.  As an employer, you need to make rules dictating that employees must use waterproof, non-slip footwear and always be on the alert when it comes to the floor in their work areas.
When recommending shoes, it is a good idea to use shoes with flat soles and wide grooves to channel water and other liquids out from underfoot.  The treading on the shoes should be inspected regularly and repaired if they become smooth or worn.  It is also a good idea to encourage the use of shoes that are at ankle height for increased balance.
It is important to have a well-organized system that dictates where pipes, hoses, and cables should go when not in use.  It is also important to keep workspaces separate for different jobs when possible. It is a good idea as an employer to coat the ground in areas where lots of water is present (which is often mixed with the oil from cars) with a non-slip paint or coating.
Movement and cleanliness
Employees at a carwash often slip and fall on the floor when they move too quickly, so it is paramount that employees at carwashes always walk instead of run from place to place.  In addition to this, the organization of pipes, hoses, and any other tools such as cans or bottles must be kept in one area to avoid accidental falls.  You should also encourage employees to always put items away, even if they were not the ones who made the mess.  Teamwork is important to ensure the safety of all employees because a single stray can or tool may caus