title: The Collision Auto Repair Safety Study (CARSS): a health and safety intervention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Collision repair employs approximately 205,500 people in 33,400 shops. Workers are exposed to a diverse array of chemical, physical, and ergonomic hazards.
  
  
  METHODS
  CARSS was based on a random and purposeful sample. Baseline and one baseline and one-year evaluations consisted of 92 questions addressing issues, such as Right-to-Know, fire protection, painting-related hazards, ergonomics, electrical safety, and personal protective equipment. Owners received a report and selected at least 30% of items found deficient for remediation. In-person and web-based services were provided.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-nine shops were evaluated at baseline and 45 at follow-up. At baseline, 54% of items were present. This improved to 71% at follow-up (P < 0.0001). Respiratory protection improved 37% (P < 0.0001) and Right-to-Know training increased 30% (P < 0.0001). Owners completed 61% of items they selected for remediation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small businesses' interventions should address the lack of personnel and administrative infrastructure. Tailored information regarding hazards and easy-to-use training and administrative programs overcome many barriers to improvement.
authors.affiliation: Park Nicollet Institute, Minneapolis, MN.
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bejan
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Brosseau
authors.forename: Maryellen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Skan
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xi
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001336:Automobiles; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D008910:Minnesota; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012449:Safety / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D058012:Small Business; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Collision Auto Repair Safety Study (CARSS); auto-collision repair industry; health and safety program implementation; intervention; small business safety programs