Common Health Hazards of Auto Repair Shops

In an auto body repair shop, you regularly encounter heavy-duty machinery and equipment, cumbersome objects, and hazardous materials. Careers in car repairs full of occupational risks. To ensure personal and staff safety, get familiar with the common health hazards of auto repair shops and preventative measures to stop injuries from occurring in your shop.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries are unfortunately very common in automotive repair work. Staff may get their eyes injured from flying sparks, chemicals, and other debris that’s regularly inside car repair facilities. Though common, eye injuries are almost always preventable.

Preventative Measures: When management enforces PPE as a part of the shop’s uniform, they prioritize the safety of their employees. Goggles or safety glasses are essential to help workers avoid becoming visually impaired by accidents involving workshop debris or chemicals.

Chemical Wounds

In the automotive repair industry, workers often deal with hazardous vehicular liquids, and some are more dangerous than others. Poor product handling can cause ghastly chemical burns and, in some cases, workshop fires. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides straightforward guidelines on how to adequately work with chemicals in your shop.

Preventative Measures: In addition to being clearly labeled, containers holding chemical fluids must have well-fitting lids. Perform routine checks on all shop containers to ensure new and old products maintain proper labeling and sealing.

Strains

Some of the essential auto repair shop equipment can be physically demanding to operate. Improper operation of heavy-duty machinery and material handling can result in serious muscle strains, tears, or joint sprains.

Preventative Measures: At the beginning of the workday, promote a comprehensive stretching routine to all employees to reduce the likelihood of strains and tears. Offer employees routine breaks throughout their days so they can stretch and rest. You can also relay information on supportive apparel, such as lower back braces.

Falls

Falls are common health hazards of auto repair shops and are usually a case of poor facility maintenance. Spilled liquids, misplaced equipment, and incorrect material handling are all things that increase the odds of a bad fall in the auto shop.

Preventative Measures: All employees should wear non-slip and close-toed shoes to prevent tripping and slipping as a result of inadequate footwear. Perform regular maintenance checks to ensure your shop’s space remains well-kempt.