Protecting Your Team: What HSE's New Safety Inspections Mean for Motor Trade Businesses

By Road Runner

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a nationwide campaign of 1,000 targeted inspections across motor vehicle repair businesses in Great Britain — and for those of us in the motor trade, it’s a timely reminder that protecting our people is just as important as protecting our premises and tools.

At Road Runner Insurance, we work with bodyshops, garages, and repair specialists across the UK — businesses built on skill, speed, and precision. Whether you’re respraying a customer’s pride and joy or managing a busy workshop, the risks associated with paint spraying — especially with isocyanate-containing materials — are serious and often overlooked.

Why This Matters

Isocyanates, commonly found in two-pack (2k) paints and lacquers, are the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK. Once symptoms develop, even minimal exposure can trigger severe attacks, often forcing skilled workers to leave the industry permanently.

The HSE’s inspections will focus on compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. These require employers to:

Implement effective control measures
Provide proper respiratory protection
Maintain safe spray booth ventilation
Conduct regular health surveillance and biological monitoring (urine testing)

These aren’t just legal obligations — they’re essential steps to protect the skilled professionals who keep our industry moving.

What Motor Trade Businesses Should Do

If you run a bodyshop or repair business, now is the time to review your safety protocols. That includes:

Ensuring your spray booths maintain negative pressure
Using certified air-fed breathing apparatus
Displaying clear clearance times for paint mist dissipation
Scheduling regular health checks and biological monitoring for your team

Kate Jones, HSE’s biological monitoring lead, explains: “A quick urine test is a cost-effective way to check that control measures are working and being used properly.”

Road Runner’s Role in Supporting You

We know that motor trade businesses are built on hard work, trust, and technical expertise. That’s why our insurance solutions go beyond cover — we offer support and guidance to help you stay compliant, safe, and confident. Whether you’re a mobile mechanic, a paint specialist, or a multi-bay garage, we’re here to help protect your business and your people — with tailored insurance policies and practical advice.

Learn More

To read the full HSE guidance and access resources for your workshop, visit https://press.hse.gov.uk/2025/09/24/hse-launches-workplace-safety-inspections-for-motor-vehicle-repair/. And if you’d like to speak to our team about how Road Runner can support your business, get in touch today.

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Get expert advice on motor traders insurance with Road Runner today.

If you’re unsure what you need, it’s always best to get a quote or speak to a specialist who understands the motor trade inside out. Need cover without premises? Explore your options with our motor trade insurance experts and find the right protection for your business.

You can get a quote here or call us on 03301 00 87 20.

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Road Runner is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.