Anyone who repairs cars knows the potential dangers of working on them. Whether someone considers themselves a skilled amateur mechanic or makes their living as a mechanic or technician, it’s crucial to ensure that you have the proper protective gear and safety protocols.
Comedian, host and noted vintage car collector Jay Leno recently suffered second- and third-degree burns to his hands, face and neck while he was working on the steam engine of one of his cars. While you’re not going to find a steam engine in a modern vehicle, there are plenty of other dangers for mechanics and technicians.
Whether you work for a repair business, at a dealership or any other type of business where you’re under the roof or under the vehicle itself every day, it’s crucial to make sure your employer provides safety training for all employees. Even if you know what you’re doing, a new or inexperienced employee may be less aware of the risks if not properly trained.
Simple precautions like goggles and gloves can help prevent or minimize injuries in some cases. So can properly labeling and storing hazardous items to prevent them from being mistaken for something else or spilled.
Some of most common injuries
Injuries in the auto repair industry are wide ranging. They include:
- Chemical burns
- Eye injuries
- Limb loss
- Muscle sprains and tears
- Slip-and-fall injuries
Flammable chemicals and liquids can also cause fires and serious burns. While Jay Leno seems to be recovering well, others aren’t so lucky.
If you have suffered an injury on the job, it’s crucial to seek the workers’ compensation benefits you’re due to cover the cost of medical care and help replace your wages if you have to be away from work for a time. Your employer cannot prevent you from applying for these benefits or penalize you in any way for getting them.
Virtually all North Carolina employees are entitled to workers’ comp benefits under the law. If you’re having difficulty getting your benefits or at any point throughout the process of dealing with workers’ comp, it can help to have legal guidance.
