Objectives This study evaluated the sustainability of health and safety improvements in small collision shops 1 year after completion of targeted intervention activities.

Method Workplace health and safety evaluations were conducted at baseline, after 1 year, and after 2 years. During Year 1, owners received quarterly phone calls, written reminders, safety newsletters, and had access to online services and in-person assistance with creating safety programs and respirator fit testing. During Year 2, owners received up to 3 postcard reminders regarding the services and resources available from study staff and website.

Results Forty-nine shops received baseline assessments, 45 were visited for 1-year follow-up and 33 were visited for 2-year follow-up. At baseline, the 33 shops had 19-60% deficient items (mean = 45% items, SD = 10%). At the end of Year 1, there were 19-30% deficient items (mean = 27% items, SD = 11%). At the end of Year 2, there were 11–37% deficient items (mean = 27% items, SD = 9.5%). Statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) from Year 1 to Year 2 were identified in three of the eight survey sections: compressed gasses (–8% deficient items), personal protective equipment (–7%), and respiratory protection (+6%). There was no difference in the magnitude of change in shops that received 0–2 reminder cards vs. shops that received 3 cards.

Conclusions Results indicate that most business owners were able to maintain the health and safety improvements implemented during Year 1 of the CARSS intervention. The number of reminder cards sent to each business did not make a difference in the degree to which safety improvements were maintained.