Motor trade | Derby and Derbyshire

Occupational Health and Health Surveillance for Garages and Body-shops in Derby

Do you know what health surveillance your garage actually needs?

HSE is currently carrying out targeted inspections across the motor vehicle repair sector. David Barber (OH) Ltd is a SEQOHS-accredited occupational health provider based in Shardlow, just outside Derby. We help garages, MOT centres, dealerships and body-shops across Derby and Derbyshire work out what health surveillance their team needs, then deliver it at your premises, so your technicians are not losing half a day travelling to a clinic.

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SEQOHS accredited | ISO 9001 certified | On-site across Derby and Derbyshire | 10+ years in occupational health | Reports typically within 48 hours

Did you know?

In September 2025, HSE launched a programme of 1,000 targeted inspections of motor vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain, paying particular attention to workplaces that use isocyanate-containing paints and coatings, the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK. During 2026, HSE has served Improvement Notices on vehicle body repair businesses for failing to place employees exposed to isocyanates under suitable health surveillance.

Practical, proportionate occupational health

Why garages choose David Barber (OH) Ltd

SEQOHS accredited

The recognised quality standard for occupational health services.

On-site delivery

Testing at your premises across Derby and Derbyshire, so your ramps keep working.

Qualified clinical team

Testing led and reviewed by occupational health professionals.

Practical, proportionate advice

Based on your risk assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all package.

Fast reporting

Fitness outcomes and recommendations typically within 48 hours.

Records you can show an inspector

Kept securely, with recall dates managed, and ready when you need them.

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Why now? HSE is actively inspecting the motor vehicle repair sector

In September 2025, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a programme of 1,000 targeted inspections of motor vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain. Inspectors are paying particular attention to workplaces that use isocyanate-containing paints and coatings, which HSE identifies as the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK.

This is not new legislation. The requirements inspectors are checking, under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and related health and safety law, have been in place for many years. What has changed is the level of attention. Inspectors want to see that risks have been properly assessed, that controls are working, and that where the work calls for it, employees are under suitable health surveillance.

During 2026, HSE has served Improvement Notices on vehicle body repair businesses for failing to place employees exposed to isocyanates under suitable health surveillance. For most garages, the question is not whether they want to comply. It is knowing exactly what applies to them.

Who we work with

We support motor trade businesses of every size across Derby and the surrounding area, including:

  • ✓Independent garages and vehicle repairers
  • ✓MOT centres and testing stations
  • ✓Main and franchised dealerships
  • ✓Accident repair centres and vehicle body-shops
  • ✓Paint spraying and refinishing businesses
  • ✓Commercial vehicle and HGV workshops
  • ✓Fleet maintenance workshops

The workplace health risks in garages and workshops

Mechanics, technicians and body repairers can be exposed to a range of health risks. What applies to your team depends on the work they actually do, the tools and products they use, and how well exposure is controlled.

Noise

Impact wrenches, compressors, grinders, panel beating and air tools can all produce high noise levels. Where your risk assessment shows employees are at risk of hearing damage, hearing checks (audiometry) help pick up early changes before they become permanent.

Hand-arm vibration

Regular use of powered and air tools such as impact guns, sanders, grinders and air chisels can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Where employees are likely to be regularly exposed above the vibration action value, or are otherwise considered at risk, HAVS surveillance is required.

Dusts and fumes

Sanding body filler and paint, welding and cutting, brake and clutch work, and vehicle exhaust in enclosed workshops can all create airborne dusts and fumes. Lung function testing (spirometry) may be appropriate where your assessment identifies a risk to respiratory health.

Substances that affect the skin

Used engine oil, fuels, solvents, degreasers, coolants and frequent hand washing can cause dermatitis. Skin surveillance helps identify problems early, while they are still easy to manage.

Respiratory sensitisers, including isocyanates

Some substances used in vehicle repair, most notably isocyanates in 2K (two-pack) paints, lacquers and hardeners, can cause occupational asthma. Once a worker becomes sensitised, even very small exposures can trigger an attack. See the body-shop section below.

Driving and safety-critical work

Road testing, moving customer vehicles, vehicle recovery and HGV workshop work can make fitness to drive a genuine safety issue. Vision testing and driver medical assessments and safety-critical medicals help you make sound decisions about who does what.

Body-shops and paint sprayers: isocyanates need particular attention

Isocyanates are found in most 2K paints, clearcoats and hardeners used in vehicle refinishing, including many water-based systems. HSE is clear that "water-based" does not mean "isocyanate-free". Spraying, mixing, cleaning spray guns and entering a booth before it has cleared can all lead to exposure.

Where workers are exposed to isocyanates, HSE expects two separate things to be in place:

  • ✓Health surveillance. A health questionnaire and lung function testing carried out by a competent person, with regular skin checks. This is designed to spot early signs of occupational asthma or dermatitis.
  • ✓Biological monitoring. A simple urine test that shows whether isocyanate exposure is getting through your controls. HSE recommends that vehicle spray painters have this at least once a year, and more often where half-mask respirators are used in spray rooms.

The two do different jobs. Health surveillance looks for effects on health. Biological monitoring checks whether your booth, extraction, breathing apparatus and working practices are doing their job, before anyone becomes unwell. We carry out both on site and can time urine samples around your spraying schedule, since samples need to be given shortly after spraying.

ASK ABOUT ISOCYANATE TESTING

Our occupational health services for the motor trade

Based on your risk assessment and the exposures your employees actually have, we can provide:

We will never recommend testing your team does not need. Not every garage needs every test. Our starting point is always your risk assessment and the work your people actually do.

What surveillance might your business need?

The guide below is general only. The surveillance that is right for you depends on your own risk assessment and the actual exposures in your workplace.

Independent garage or MOT centre

Noise, vibration, oils and solvents, exhaust fumes, road testing

May need

Audiometry, HAVS, skin checks, vision or driver checks

Main dealership workshop

Noise, vibration, skin irritants, vehicle movement

May need

Audiometry, HAVS, skin checks, driver assessments

Accident repair centre or body-shop

Isocyanates, sanding dust, welding fume, noise, vibration

May need

Respiratory surveillance, isocyanate urine testing, skin checks, audiometry, HAVS, face-fit testing

Paint spraying business

Isocyanates, solvents, dust

May need

Respiratory surveillance, isocyanate urine testing, skin checks, face-fit testing

Commercial vehicle or HGV workshop

Noise, heavy vibrating tools, fumes, safety-critical driving

May need

Audiometry, HAVS, spirometry where indicated, HGV and safety-critical medicals, drug and alcohol testing

Fleet maintenance workshop

Noise, vibration, skin irritants, driving

May need

Audiometry, HAVS, skin checks, driver medicals

How it works

  • 1Free 30-minute review. We talk through the work your team does, the tools and products you use, and any surveillance already in place.
  • 2Review your assessments. We look at your risk and COSHH assessments to identify which employees may need which surveillance, and flag anything that looks missing.
  • 3On-site testing. Our clinical team comes to your premises at a time that suits your workshop, keeping disruption to a minimum.
  • 4Clear results and records. You receive fitness outcomes and recommendations you can act on, with records kept securely and recall dates managed for you.

Local to Derby, on site at your premises

We are based at Shardlow Business Centre, close to the A50 and junction 24 of the M1, so we can reach garages and workshops across Derby and Derbyshire quickly. Our team carries out assessments at your premises, so your technicians stay on site and your ramps keep working.

Areas we regularly cover include: Derby (including Pride Park, Sinfin, Spondon, Alvaston, Chaddesden, Mickleover and Allestree), Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Belper, Ripley, Alfreton, Heanor, Ashbourne, Swadlincote, Burton upon Trent, Castle Donington and the wider East Midlands.

If you prefer, employees can also be seen at our clinic in Shardlow.

Support

Frequently asked questions

Has the law on health surveillance for garages changed?

No. HSE is actively inspecting the motor vehicle repair sector and checking that existing requirements under COSHH, the Noise at Work Regulations and the Vibration at Work Regulations are being met. The law itself has not changed.

Does every garage need health surveillance?

Not necessarily. Health surveillance is required where your risk assessment shows employees are exposed to certain hazards, such as noise, vibration or substances like isocyanates, at levels that create a risk to health. We can help you work out what applies.

Do you come to our premises?

Yes. We carry out assessments on site across Derby and Derbyshire, so staff do not need to travel. Employees can also attend our clinic in Shardlow if that suits you better.

How often do paint sprayers need isocyanate urine testing?

HSE recommends biological monitoring at least once a year for vehicle spray painters using isocyanate-based paints, and more often where half-mask respirators are used in spray rooms.

What records will an HSE inspector expect to see?

Typically, your risk and COSHH assessments, evidence of the controls in place, and health surveillance records for exposed employees. Health records for COSHH surveillance must be kept for at least 40 years.

What our clients say

“
Quick turnaround, excellent communication and a brilliant team that work really well together to deliver a prompt and professional service. Would highly recommend to anyone and small businesses in particular, as they are competitively priced whilst maintaining a quality professional standard.
AA Labels
Client
“
DB Occupational Health has been a valuable partner to I Holland for several years now, supporting us with our employee occupational health surveillance programme, along with HAVS surveillance and the administration of annual flu vaccinations. Lisa and the team are always prompt and professional when on-site and are fast to respond to any queries at all times. I would recommend DB Occupational Health to any business considering their services.
I Holland
Dan Dixon, HSE & CI Manager
“
David Barber (OH) Ltd responded to an urgent job. Health surveillance was carried out with reports uploaded in real time, with an easy to read spreadsheet also sent. Thanks for your prompt work. Timescales were good and good service.
McPhee Mixers
Client

Related pages

Would your garage be ready for an HSE inspection?

Book a free, no-obligation 30-minute review. We will help you understand what health surveillance may be appropriate for your team and how we can put a suitable programme in place, on site, at a time that works for your workshop. Prefer to talk? Call 01332 318978.

BOOK MY FREE 30-MIN REVIEW
SEQOHS Accredited | ISO 9001 Certified
01332 318978
enquiries@dbocchealth.com
www.dbocchealth.com/motor-vehicle-repair-derby