With garages and bodyshops given the green light to fully re-open from May 18th, now is the time to get prepared. But as workshop doors open again, many for the first time in months, owners and staff will face a very different operating environment. It might mean physical changes to the premises, new working practices and new levels of protection for customers and staff. Here are some factors that you will need to consider:

Workshop Re-opening Checklist download HERE. 

Safety first – People
You will need to ensure adequate supplies of personal protection equipment for yourself and staff, in terms of masks, goggles gloves etc.. Even if you do not personally believe masks are essential, wearing them, especially when customer facing, can provide important reassurance.
Hand sanitizer needs to be freely available to staff and customers and sanitizer stations need to be checked and topped up regularly. Sanitizer should be available outside the door of communal washrooms and toilets. Hand washing protocols should be put in place for all staff and additional time allowed.

Safety first – Vehicles
Cleaning and sanitizing of vehicles needs to become a habit. Ensure you have adequate supplies of anti-bacterial cleaning wipes and sprays. Interior touch points need to be cleaned on vehicle collection, internal technician to technician handovers and vehicle hand back. The use of vehicle protection equipment such as disposable seat covers, steering wheel covers and mats should be strongly considered.

Safety first – Disposal
Bins need to be freely available for the disposal of used PPE and cleaning materials.

Customer interaction
Face to face interaction with the customer needs to be reduced and if required, take place in a controlled environment. This will mean greater use of telephone and messaging communication. Perhaps contactless vehicle collection and return is an option, can contactless vehicle drop off be offered through the use of secure key boxes, is it possible and desirable to put up screens in the reception area, can you put down floor markers, are contactless payment options available? You may also want to consider a one customer at a time policy for you reception area.
Every workshop is different so it will be important for operators to review their working practices and make suitable adjustments in line with social distancing guidelines.

Workshop interaction
Employers have a duty of care to staff and will need to make adjustment and allowances to take account of socials distancing requirements. For example, staggering working hours and break times should be considered. Hygiene regimes in canteens and kitchens will need to be strict (is it more desirable for employees to take breaks in their own vehicles?).
Working practices also need to be considered. Shared tools and equipment need to be cleaned before and after use and touch points on cars need to be cleaned when handed from one staff member to another.

The cost
New working practices and protection equipment will both have a cost. Jobs will take longer and require more materials and no garage or bodyshop, can afford to just absorb these costs. It might therefore be useful to add a one off Covid-19 cleaning charge to each invoice. If doing this, it will be important to communicate with the customer and emphasise the measures you are putting in place for their safety.

Communication
Letting your customers know that you are open for business again is vital. Do not assume that they will know you are open. Use every platform you can to inform them, such as answer phone messages, signs on your door, social media, website, email and text message. You should also communicate the safety measures you are taking and thank them for their patience and support during the crisis.

Workshop Re-opening Checklist download HERE.