Getting your car wash winter ready

Top winter hazards and controls

1. Slips, trips and falls

Water and ice around bays, tunnels and payment areas make this the number one risk for injuries. Surfaces can ice over quickly. 

• Clear and salt walkways and parking zones frequently.
• Ensure entrances and exits are unobstructed.
• Use anti-slip mats and waterproof, high traction footwear. Replace mats often.
• Check lighting to improve visibility for staff and customers.

Find prevention resources : Slips, Trips and Falls: 6 ways to combat winter hazards and Preventing Workplace Slips, Trips and Falls Video

2. Cold stress and hypothermia

Working in wet, unheated bays or outdoors puts employees at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and other issues, which can be life-threatening. To prevent cold stress, employers should:

• Provide training on the prevention of cold related illness including how to recognize cold stress and first aid measures.
• Ensure employees are equipped with insulated gloves, boots and appropriate outerwear.
• Monitor outdoor workers, rotate tasks and schedule warm up breaks. Ensure that warm-up spaces are well defined.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust workloads accordingly. 

Learn more:  Top 3 winter hazards: how to keep employees safe and 9 Ways to Help Your Employees Avoid Cold Stress 

Watch this video:  What Can Employers do to Protect Workers from Cold Stress?  

3. Vehicle movement and struck by hazards

Reduced visibility, icy drive surfaces and congested wash lanes heighten the risk of employee injuries from moving vehicles. 

• Designate clear pedestrian routes,
• Post visible signage, barriers and speed limits.
• Equip employees with reflective clothing and handheld stop signs
• Train employees on safe pedestrian/vehicle interactions and controls. 

For actionable tips: Small Biz Bytes | Vehicle & Pedestrian Safety  and 5 ways to reduce struck-by risks: Lessons learned from a tragedy

4. Chemical and mechanical hazards

Cold conditions cause soaps and waxes to thicken, requiring more physical effort to handle and may freeze moving parts. 

• Ensure proper PPE can be worn while still wearing cold weather gear.
• Provide ergonomic controls for handling frozen moving parts.
• Train employees in lockout procedures.
• Follow WHMIS guidelines.
• Store chemicals properly to keep them from freezing and ensure that levels don’t run low.

Find employer guidance:  WHMIS: what you need to know about hazardous materials in the workplace and Lockout Tagout Training Guide

5. Ergonomic and repetitive strain injuries

In winter, bulky clothing and cold muscles can limit mobility, increasing strain for staff performing repetitive cleaning or detailing. 

• Rotate employee schedules and build short breaks into shifts.
• Provide ergonomic tools and resources.
• Encourage pre shift warm-ups like stretching. 

Access ergonomic support: Ergonomics and MSD - health and safety resources

6. Customer aggression, violence and harassment

Winter delays and long lines can frustrate customers and lead to verbal abuse or aggression toward staff. Employers must protect workers by enforcing zero tolerance policies, posting expected behaviour signs and training teams in de-escalation and reporting procedures. 

 Helpful resources:  Respond to crime and violence in your retail business with this free guide and Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and Program Toolkit

7. Emergency preparedness

Freezing rain, power outages and flooding can disrupt service without warning. An Emergency Response Plan protects employees, customers and property while ensuring business continuity. Every car wash should have a documented emergency response plan that outlines:

• Evacuation procedures and safe assembly zones.
• Roles for staff during weather related shutdowns or incidents.
• Communication protocols for customers and first responders.

Be prepared:  Expect the unexpected – 16 tips to strengthen your emergency response plan

A winter safety plan is only as strong as the systems behind hit. Written health and safety policies and procedures turn good intentions into consistent action. They clarify responsibilities, ensure continuity even when staff changes and demonstrate due diligence if incidents occur. When reviewed regularly and shared with every team member, they become one of the most valuable tools an employer can have. Get started here: Small Business Centre | WSPS 

By combining clear policies, hands on preparation and ongoing communication, Canadian car wash operators can build safer, more resilient workplaces where employees understand expectations, hazards are managed proactively and daily operations stay on track, even when conditions are at their toughest.