How to Operate a Shop While Minimizing COVID-19 Health Risks

Most of us fall into one of two camps: We work on own cars, or someone else works on our cars. Either way, if people beyond your immediate family are involved, how do you do it safely?

Perhaps others can crib from Eclectic Motorworks, the Michigan restoration shop owned by longtime GRM contributor Carl Heideman. Alan Dalman, the shop’s manager, has published a formal COVID-19 response plan that covers both staff and customers. The internal doc can be found on the Eclectic Motorworks site, while you can read the info sent out to customers in the sidebar of this article (including how and when customers can enter the shop, for example). 

To dig a little deeper on the subject, we also pinged Alan with some questions. 

GRM: Why did Eclectic Motorworks feel the need to formalize this policy?
Alan: We were required by Michigan Executive Order 2020-91 to, in order to require employees to leave their home and come to work, provide a plan to keep them safe. 

There were certain minimum items included based on the types of businesses opening. As an automotive repair shop, we were technically considered “essential” from the very beginning, so we have never shut our doors completely. 

We did adopt some haphazard and rather draconian policies at the beginning because everyone was just freaking out. It became clear to us that the few employees we had were being responsible adults and minimizing their social contact outside of work and were abiding by the general stay-at-home order in place when not at work. The initial policies set up helped keep a barrier between the people in the shop and everyone else. 

Unlike some other businesses or in other localities, we weren't necessarily required to publish our plans or policies. We did so to be transparent with our customers, which is something we've aspired to do with every aspect of the work we do, from detailed and honest billing practices to allowing customers on site to view work as it was in progress. It is also a good idea to just keep your customers informed, especially when a policy such as visiting a shop has been forced to change so dramatically. 

The other reason to formalize the policy was to give ourselves the protection of having it in writing. We're not trying to single out customers who don't wear masks to the shop, as an example, but we're following a policy based on what the CDC, ADA, EEOC, etc., deem to be a genuine threat to our health and safety. 

Our employees are important to us and we don't want to do anything to endanger them. Similarly, our customers are vital to us and we don't want to compromise their health, just as we don't want them to compromise ours. All politics aside, we're trying to be the adults in the room here and be as responsible, or more responsible, than everyone else. 
 
GRM: What can other shops do to follow your lead?
Alan: Don't believe that this is anything other than a crisis. It's a solvable crisis for sure, but you should be taking it as seriously as possible. 

Your customer base may be different than ours, but a lot of our customers—and some employees, too—definitely fall into the more at-risk categories for COVID-19. We know of other shops across the country that have already dealt with or are dealing with employees that have come down with this virus, and we don't want to have to be counted on that list as well. 

Have a heart-to-heart talk with your employees. They're feeling stressed as ever right now. The work will still be there, and it's okay to just worry about today. Make sure they understand the basics of how this virus is transmitted and what they can do to most effectively combat this. 

Also, and this is very important, follow the law. Most places are now providing exceptional protections for employees who do not wish to work during this time. We in Michigan are barred from any retaliatory actions against employees who want to stay home. Make sure you know the rules. Document any trouble spots, but in the immortal words of that movie my young daughter made me watch over and over and over again, just “let it go” in this crazy time.

Make sure you're providing all of the safety gear you need right now: hand sanitizer, face masks, Lysol, anything to clean and properly disinfect tools, doors, steering wheels, shift knobs, etc. Even if you have to pay more than you usually do or buy more than you normally would, just do it. Failing to provide a safe environment is a big misstep. 

Communicate with your customers. If you have an email list–we use MailChimp–a website, or even a Facebook page, update them on the situation. Communication is essential. 

GRM: Anything else that shops should know about operating in these times?
Alan: Do your research on any potential federal and state support for your bottom line if you need it. There is no shame in seeking out assistance. There are also great resources out there for personal finances and alternatives to doing bad things like pulling money out of penalty-ridden 401Ks and other retirement plans.  

Be kind. Everyone is freaking out. Take a deep breath. Politics aside, hopefully this virus is a single-driver and, once infection rates drastically reduce and/or once a vaccine is found, hopefully the economy and your bottom line will bounce back quickly. In the meantime, protect your most important assets—your employees and customers—even if that means protecting them from each other for a while!

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