The Responsible Car Wash Scheme is targeting labour abuse and safety breaches, with the aim to protect vulnerable workers in the UK's hand car washes, to help tackle modern slavery and other "crimes hiding in plain sight", says IOSH.
This Scheme follows the launch of the mobile app earlier this year to report signs of modern slavery at car washes.
The Scheme will be piloted in the Midlands next month and car wash operators are able to sign up. The scheme allows consumers the opportunity to recognise the 'Responsible Car Wash Operator' logo, which confirms the business are looking after workers, the environment and trade legally.
IOSH note the scheme is a "positive step" towards tackling labour abuse and urging other industries to follow suit. Richard Jones, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH stated "many hand car washes are responsible businesses that protect workers and the environment, and they will be highlighted by this. At the same time, those car washes which don't comply will be encouraged to do so".
He continued "all workers in all industries have a right to be protected by their employers".
The scheme has been developed by the Downstream Fuel Association alongside the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the Police, the Health and Safety Executive, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the Environment Agency and the Car Wash Association. Anti-slavery charity Unseen has also been involved and supported by five major supermarkets.
There is an estimated 20,000 hand car washes in the UK, whilst many operate within the law, there have been reports from Government agencies of others not doing so. Issues include modern slavery, failure to pay proper wages and not supplying workers with appropriate equipment.
