Assignment Task:
Read the following case scenario and prepare a return-to-work plan:
EZ Fix Auto is a small garage operating in Toronto. The garage is owned by an experienced mechanic who decided to start his own business after working in the industry for ten years. The garage provides detailing service, car service and maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, wiper blades, tire services, windshield chip repair, and battery changes among other services.
The garage has two lead mechanics including the owner, five mechanics and a part-time mechanic who is a student at Centennial College's Automotive program. The garage also has a janitor and an office admin staff. The garage has a small office at the front with the garage entrance on the side for customers to drive in for service. There are six spots for cars to be serviced. Three of these spots have pits so mechanics can work under the cars. The garage starts early morning and mechanics have to work in two shifts. One shift starts at 8 am and ends at 4 pm and the second shift starts at 11 am and ends at 7 pm. One of the lead mechanics come in early to open the garage and the owner stays late to close the garage. The garage has rolling shutters which are locked at closing time.
At any given time, there are at least four cars being serviced in the garage. Customers visit the garage to get tires changed before and after winter. The garage also services expensive cars which require specialized knowledge. The lead mechanics usually work on such cars as they have the experience and the qualifications. The garage also provides some basic maintenance for motorcycles. Visitors are not allowed in the working area and can watch the work being done from a window in the office.
Mechanics start work with basic tasks such as servicing cars and then carry out more complex repairs. Mechanics carry out welding, cutting, and brazing to repair vehicles. Mechanics also use different types of equipment such as angle grinders, sanders, hammers and mallets to carry out their work. There are separate areas for welding, cleaning, lubricating and battery maintenance purposes. The garage does not carry out any auto body painting work, it outsources the work when required.
The mechanics have to work with industrial chemicals such as brake fluids, detergents, oils, lubricants, grease, solvents and degreasing agents to carry out their work. They are provided with PPE such as a pair of gloves, a pair of safety shoes, disposable foam ear plugs, a pair of safety glasses, and a pair of coveralls.
All workers have been provided basic health and safety training. The owner has informed all employees about the Safety Data Sheets binder kept in the work area.
Neil has been working as a mechanic at EZ Fix Auto for five years now. He is an experienced mechanic and is mostly responsible for vehicle service which involves oil change, testing tires and brakes. He has been seen working without gloves and complains that gloves make it difficult to carry out tasks such as unscrew caps or tighten bolts. He took two days off last month and had complained about itching in his hands. He visited his doctor as his skin had started to flake and blister. His doctor informed him, he had Dermatitis from exposure to the chemicals at work. The initial treatment did not work as Neil continued working and his condition worsened. Recently, he submitted a doctor's note which recommends he avoid working with chemicals for two months.
Tanya works as a part-time mechanic while she is studying. She carries out tests on tires and replaces them, changes oil and tests brakes. Sometimes she assists a lead mechanic in more complex tasks such as welding. She has found the garage does not follow health and safety regulations based on what she is learning at college. Recently, she injured herself when she spilled hot fluid on her hands causing her serious burns. Her left hand has been heavily bandaged and she submitted a doctor's note to the owner. The doctor's note indicates she cannot use her left hand for at least 3 weeks until her burn injuries heal.
Given the health and safety related issues facing the garage, the owner has contracted your team to provide solutions in resolving them.
Prepare a RTW / accommodation plan by answering the following questions:
1. Based on your response to the earlier question, recommend steps the company needs to take to prevent workers from getting injured in the future.