12:40 am, December 20, 2010
CASTROL has discovered that hundreds of dealers are unaware of crucial pieces of health and safety legislations.
These findings are the result of research by Castrol Professional’s Equipment Services division, which highlights that hundreds of dealers across the country are consequently running the risk of court summons and heavy fines.
The study into lubricants wastage and workshop practice found that 98 per cent of dealers claim to prioritise health and safety in their workshop, and their staff are aware of the legislations.
However, the research revealed that a significant number of dealers are failing to adhere to some of the regulations.
‘Failing to comply with current health and safety regulations in any aspect of operating a dealership, in the workshop or otherwise, is a false economy, as the business could easily be subject to costly and damaging legal proceedings,’ says Andrew Bosworth, equipment services manager, Castrol Professional.
‘Dealers claim that they are fully compliant, but evidence from Castrol Professional’s Equipment Services team working in the field suggests that around one in three dealerships are in breach of health and safety regulations.’
Under Board of Trade (BoT) regulations, dealers selling oil by volume are required to accurately measure the amount of oil sold to customers.
Yet almost 17 per cent of dealers admitted to have never calibrated their workshop dispensing equipment.
Dealers could be severely reprimanded if discovered by a health and safety official; a court summons, an unlimited fine and up to two years’ imprisonment could result.
‘Putting in the time and effort to ensure that a workshop is as safe as possible can pay dividends in the long run. In most cases, this will very likely result in improved profit potential, as well as the avoidance of a potentially large fine.
‘Investing in reliable, accurate equipment and making staff more aware of health and safety regulations allows dealers to capitalise on the significant profit potential offered by premium lubricants, while also operating within the law,’ Bosworth added.
