Mechanic Safety & Hazards in Auto Shops

Hundreds of thousands of Americans work as mechanics and automotive service technicians. The public depends on their skills to help people take care of their cars, get back on the road,  and keep the world moving. But working as a mechanic can be a very physically demanding job. Not only do they often need to lift heavy objects and work in uncomfortable positions, they commonly need to use powerful tools and work with hazardous substances – to say nothing of the risks involved with working underneath cars or near moving vehicles. 

All of this means that it’s very easy for mechanics to get injured on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 9,940 cases of mechanics and service technicians experiencing non-fatal work-related injuries or illnesses in 2020 that required time away from work. 

Common Types of Work-Related Injuries in Mechanics

Muscle Strain

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites muscle sprains, tears, and tears as being some of the most common types of injuries in mechanics and automotive technicians. These jobs often involve making repetitive movements, moving heavy objects, and having to work in uncomfortable positions, all of which can take a toll on muscles and other soft tissues. While these types of soft tissue injuries are not life-threatening, they can be extremely painful and require time to heal.

Exposure to Dangerous Substances

Automotive work can require working with several different types of substances that need special care to be used safely. For example, an employee of a body shop could need protective gear when working with paints and polishes. Some types of tools, such as buffers or cutters, can also release particles into the air that could be dangerous if inhaled. In addition to providing workers with appropriate protective gear, containers with hazardous substances need to be regularly checked to make sure they’re sealed correctly, not leaking, and contain information about how to handle them safely.

Fall Injuries

Automotive shops are often full of slip and trip hazards, from long cords on tools to spilled liquids like motor oil. Because of this, it’s very important for the work areas of auto shops to be regularly inspected to remove unnecessary trip hazards and quickly clean up any spills before anyone can slip and get hurt. Slip-resistant footwear and mats can also help reduce the risk of falls. 

Contact a Michigan Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t hesitate to contact a workplace injury lawyer for help with your workers compensation claim. Even if it seems like your employer is being cooperative, it’s important to have someone on your side who knows the law and can help you get all of the compensation you deserve. Scott Goodwin Law has helped many accident victims like you get the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free case consultation and find out how we can help you.

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