The California Autobody Association (CAA) reported that several state agencies are stepping up inspections and regulatory enforcements at body shops.

CAA says it has been in contact with various agencies and recently attended a meeting concerning inspections of body shops in Sacramento and San Jose by the Economic and Employment Enforcement Coalition (EEEC), a coalition from EDD, CalOsha and Department of Industrial Relations.

These inspections will continue, and the CAA recommends that shops review whether they are compliant with these agencies.

The CAA will be setting up presentations with the EEEC for many of its chapters starting the first quarter 2010 to review any changes and updates with these agencies.
 
The following are the most common violations from the recent EEEC inspections:

• Not having up to date workers comprehensive coverage.

• Not providing deduction statements for employees.

• Not paying minimum wages.

• Not documenting meals and rest periods.

• Not reporting or submitting proper paperwork for employees.

• Work permit for minors under 18 not filed (obtain from school district)

• Unsecured compressed gas cylinders.

• Spray booths not equipped with manometers.  

• Electrical panels must have proper covers over circuit breakers and all switches must be installed (fines start @ $18,000).

• Painter masks must be fit tested and certificates on file.

• Frayed electrical cords.

Following are Web sites that CAA members can go to and review what is required by each of these agencies.
 
• Employment Development Department: www.edd.ca.gov

• CalOsha: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh

• Labor Board: www.labor.ca.gov

• Department of Industrial Relations: www.dir.ca.gov

• Department of Toxic Substances Control: www.dtsc.ca.gov

• Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov

Visit www.calautobody.com for more information.