COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Risk Management in Automotive Workshop Environments course. This program has been developed to support you in identifying, assessing, and controlling the wide range of hazards present in automotive service environments. Risk management is essential not only for meeting legal obligations under workplace health and safety legislation but also for safeguarding staff wellbeing, operational efficiency, and business reputation in an increasingly regulated industry.
This course begins by outlining the purpose of risk management within automotive workshops, emphasising its role in both compliance and injury prevention. Participants will explore the legislative framework, including duties under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and gain an overview of common risks in technical workshop settings—from slips and hazardous chemicals to equipment misuse and fire hazards.
Understanding the risk management framework is central to effective safety practice. This section introduces the four-step process: identify, assess, control, and review. Participants will explore how this framework supports continuous improvement and how risk management can be integrated into everyday operations, team responsibilities, and workshop culture.
Hazard identification is a foundational skill in workshop risk management. This section focuses on how to recognise physical, chemical, and mechanical hazards associated with automotive work. Participants will assess risks from floor contaminants, pressurised systems, airborne fumes, hand tools, and machinery, and understand the significance of task-specific risk identification.
Risk assessments and site audits formalise the evaluation process. Participants will learn how to use a risk matrix to determine severity and likelihood, document identified hazards, and prioritise them for control. Both routine and non-routine workshop activities will be considered, ensuring a comprehensive safety overview.
Effective risk control relies on the application of the hierarchy of controls. This section examines how to eliminate or substitute hazards where possible and implement engineering, administrative, and PPE controls where required. Practical applications within workshop operations are discussed in detail.
Specific risks are addressed through dedicated content areas. Participants will examine best practices for managing vehicle hoists, hand and power tools, hazardous substances, and fire/explosion hazards. Real-world examples illustrate how inadequate controls can lead to serious incidents, reinforcing the importance of pre-use inspections, procedural compliance, and maintenance.
Electrical safety and energy isolation protocols are essential in modern workshops. This section includes guidance on hybrid and electric vehicle risks, battery charging, and the use of lockout-tagout systems. Participants will explore how to maintain safe electrical setups, manage diagnostics, and meet WHS electrical compliance.
Noise, vibration, and air quality hazards are commonly underestimated. This section explains how to identify high-risk tasks, implement hearing protection programs, and manage ventilation. Diesel exhaust, paint fumes, and other airborne risks are also considered from both health and environmental perspectives.
Manual handling risks are addressed through ergonomic design and training. Participants will learn how to reduce strain-related injuries when handling wheels, parts, and tools, and how to structure tasks and workstations to support physical safety and long-term health.
Safe vehicle movement and test driving procedures are covered as critical risk areas. This section outlines vehicle control within the workshop, roadworthiness checks, and safety protocols for staff and customers during vehicle use and testing.
The course also addresses risks posed by non-employees. Participants will explore procedures for inducting visitors, supervising contractors, and managing customer access. Safety signage, restricted areas, and responsibility boundaries are emphasised as tools for risk minimisation.
Emergency preparedness and response capability form a key part of a robust risk management system. Participants will review immediate response procedures for incidents such as fire, chemical spills, and injuries. This includes location of emergency equipment, evacuation protocols, and communication plans.
Incident investigation and root cause analysis are examined in the context of prevention. Participants will learn how to gather data, identify systemic failures, and apply structured analysis tools to ensure meaningful corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented.
Finally, the importance of continuous monitoring and review is explored. This section explains how to conduct inspections, assess the effectiveness of implemented controls, and revise risk assessments in response to operational changes or legislative updates.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the skills, tools, and confidence to manage workshop risks effectively, comply with regulatory obligations, and foster a proactive safety culture within their automotive service environment.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Risk Management in Automotive Workshops
- Purpose of risk management in technical workshop settings
- Legal responsibilities under WHS legislation and regulations
- Overview of key risks in automotive environments
2. Understanding the Risk Management Framework
- The four-step process: identify, assess, control, review
- Role of risk management in continuous improvement and safety
- Integrating risk management into workshop culture and operations
3. Identifying Hazards in Workshop Environments
- Physical hazards: slips, trips, falls, manual handling, noise
- Chemical hazards: oils, fuels, solvents, degreasers, aerosols
- Mechanical and operational hazards: hoists, moving parts, pressurised systems
4. Conducting Risk Assessments and Site Audits
- Using a risk matrix to assess likelihood and severity
- Assessing both routine tasks and non-routine operations
- Documenting and prioritising identified hazards
5. Applying the Hierarchy of Controls
- Eliminating risks where possible
- Substituting hazardous substances or tasks
- Implementing engineering, administrative controls, and PPE
6. Managing Risks Associated with Vehicle Hoists and Lifting Equipment
- Conducting pre-use checks and maintenance of hoists
- Safe operating procedures for under-vehicle access
- Preventing hoist failure, collapse, or misuse
7. Managing Risks from Hand and Power Tools
- Identifying risks from angle grinders, rattle guns, and cutting tools
- Ensuring correct use, guards, and inspection regimes
- Managing tool storage and access controls
8. Controlling Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
- Identifying common hazardous substances in workshops
- Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labelling
- Storage, handling, and disposal in compliance with legislation
9. Fire and Explosion Risk Management
- Flammable liquids and vapours in fuel system repairs
- Managing ignition sources, hot work permits, and spark control
- Placement and maintenance of fire extinguishers and alarms
10. Electrical Safety and Energy Isolation
- Managing risks from battery charging, jump-starting, and diagnostic tools
- Lockout-tagout (LOTO) for electrical or hybrid vehicles
- Inspection and tagging of cords, tools, and outlets
11. Noise, Vibration, and Air Quality Hazards
- Identifying high-noise tasks (e.g. rattle guns, compressors)
- Implementing hearing protection programs and signage
- Controlling exhaust emissions and improving ventilation systems
12. Managing Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risks
- Lifting heavy wheels, parts, or batteries safely
- Designing workstations and benches for reduced strain
- Training staff in safe handling techniques and injury prevention
13. Ensuring Safe Use of Workshop Vehicles and Test Drives
- Managing risks during vehicle movement in and out of bays
- Ensuring roadworthy conditions before customer or staff use
- Completing safety checklists before test driving
14. Managing Visitor, Contractor, and Customer Risks
- Inducting non-employees into workshop safety procedures
- Restricting access to hazardous zones
- Managing third-party contractor tasks and supervision
15. Responding to Incidents and Emergencies
- Immediate actions following injury, fire, chemical spill, or collision
- Using emergency procedures and communication plans
- Accessing first aid kits, emergency exits, and muster points
16. Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
- Gathering incident data: who, what, when, where, how
- Analysing systemic failures using root cause methods
- Developing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
17. Reviewing and Updating Risk Control Measures
- Conducting regular safety inspections and audits
- Reviewing control effectiveness post-implementation
- Updating risk assessments based on changes in operations or legislation
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.