Safety inspectors target east Kent garages
Inspectors are visiting vehicle repair firms across east Kent to ensure they are complying with safety regulations.
Canterbury City Council said it was working with colleagues in Dover, Thanet and Shepway to carry out the checks from Tuesday.
The checks are being done throughout November and up to 15 inspectors will be out each day, said Roger Vick, commercial health manager.
All firms were warned about the visits and offered free training.
Mr Vick said any employer found to be failing to meet safety standards would face enforcement action, dependent on the severity of the risk.
He said: "Garages are busy places and the risk of an accident is quite high.
"Employers have a duty to ensure their staff and customers are safe on their premises and it's the role of the council to check this is happening."
He said the checks were part of a Kent-wide blitz on premises including vehicle repairers and finishers, tyre and exhaust fitters, MOT stations and spray shops.
Mr Vick said there had been more than 8,000 injuries and 24 deaths in the UK motor repair industry in the past five years, caused by incidents including manual handling accidents, slips, trips, falls from height, use of machinery and equipment, electrical hazards and asbestos exposure.