FACTS

Hazards That Threaten Auto Body Workers 

1. Repetitive Motion Disorders: These injuries result from constant stress on one part of the body. For example, workers who repeatedly have to turn manual screwdrivers put excessive pressure on their wrists. You may need to work in an awkward body position for long periods, putting undue strain on muscles and ligaments.
2. Chemical Exposure: Workers in auto body repair shops use paints, polishes, primers and fillers every day. Along with the particles and dust produced by grinders, polishers, buffing machines and other equipment, the respiratory systems, eyes and skin of workers are at risk of damage. 
3. Sprains and Strains: With all the heavy lifting that workers in this industry have to do, strains and sprains along with back injuries that can cause long-term problems are common. 
4. Noise Hazards: Being in an environment where machines create continuous excessive noise can cause severe loss of hearing. 
5. Slips, Trips and Falls: Paint, grease or other liquids are quite common on the floors of auto body repair shops. If surfaces are not clear of theses spills, falls can occur that may have devastating consequences. 
6. Mechanical Hazards: Equipment such as sprayers, compressors, chains, winches and more contain components that could cause severe injuries.

STATS

• According to a Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), automotive service technicians and mechanics are more likely than the average worker to be injured or killed on the job.  Mechanics are more likely than the average worker to be injured or killed on the job, as evidenced by higher rates of fatalities and injuries and illnesses.
• The report adds:
  • 147 mechanics were killed on the job – a fatality rate of 5.3 per 100,000 workers, compared with 4.0 for all occupations combined.  Contact with objects and equipment, such as parts and materials and vehicles, represents a significant hazard for mechanics, BLS said. Many of the remaining nonfatal injuries are due to overexertion and sprains and strains.
  • Additionally, there were 15,560 non-fatal injuries and illnesses to technicians, down roughly 10 %. There were around 954,000 U.S. technicians.
  • Most of the injuries and illnesses reported were due to contact with an object or equipment or overexertion. Assaults and violent acts accounted for 30 % of workplace fatalities.
  • Homicides accounted for 44 % of assaults and violent acts, while self-inflicted wounds made up the remaining 56 p%. The national average for fatalities due to assaults and violent acts is 15 %. 
  • Heavy lifting accounted for more than 50 % of all overexertion injuries. Most of these injuries can be avoided by using advanced tools for lifting heavier objects and by utilizing proper lifting techniques.