Workplace Hazards in Automotive Repair and Service
This fact sheet is for secondary school students undertaking work experience programs, and for their host employers. It can be
used as a tool to assist with task planning, and to develop appropriate induction, training and supervision to minimise any risk to
students while they are ‘at work’.
Students must be given instruction, and must be supervised at all times. Consideration must always be given to hazards
when allocating tasks. If any risk exists, students must NOT undertake the activity.
Hazard Possible Harmful
Effects
Fixed plant including Laceration
automotive hoist
Operator being pinned
down/crushed
Powered mobile plant Operator being rolled on or
including cars pinned underneath
Other workers being struck,
crushed or pinned underneath
Powered and other Laceration and amputation
hand-tools
Manual handling injuries
Noise and vibration Hearing loss
Petrol, solvents, Skin contact may cause irritation
degreasers, paints or dematitis
Vapours may cause headaches
Cleaning products or other respiratory problems.
Long-term exposure may cause
chronic effect
Manual handling Musculoskeletal injuries
(bending, reaching,
stretching, pulling,
lifting, repetitive
motions, awkward
working posture)
Hot working Heat stress, dehydration
conditions
Working at heights Falls from heights – potential for
fatality or serious injury
Musculoskeletal injuries,
including sprains and strains
Sexual harassment, Emotional stress, fear and
work place bullying anxiety, physical illness
Possible Employer Action to Preventative Action
Prevent Injury / Illness Students Can Take
 Undertake risk assessment of all plant,  Observe risk controls, e.g.
equipment and tools machine guarding
 Put in place appropriate controls, e.g.  Use plant strictly according to
machine guarding your training
 Provide training on safe use  Use PPE provided
 Develop and implement maintenance
regime. NOTE: Students must NOT
 Provide appropriate personal protective operate automotive hoists
equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Students must NOT operate
automotive hoists
Students must NOT operate or ride Students must NOT operate
on mobile plant or ride on mobile plant
Students must NOT operate powered Students must NOT operate
tools powered tools
 Provide instruction in the safe use of  Use hand tools carefully,
hand tools according to instructions
 Maintain plant and equipment to reduce  Follow safe work procedures
noise and to limit vibration  Wear PPE (hearing
 Provide hearing protection protection) provided
 Use least hazardous product for the  Read MSDS and follow safe
task working instructions
 Provide Material Safety Data Sheets  Use PPE provided to protect
(MSDS) you against hazardous
 Observe safe storage and handling substances
practices Provide adequate ventilation
 Provide training in use of fire protection
equipment
 Document and practise emergency
procedures
 Provide apprpriate PPE
 Use mechanical aids where practicable  Use mechanical aids
 Adopt safe system of work provided
 Use team lifting  Seek help when you think a
team lift is required
 Exercise: warm up/stretch
before starting work, and cool
down/stretch at end of the
shift or working day
 Provide regular rest breaks  Dress appropriately for your
working conditions
 Take scheduled breaks
Students must NOT work at heights Students must NOT work at
where there is any risk of a fall heights where there is any
risk of a fall
 Establish work place policy  Report any concerns
 Provide staff briefings or training immediately