Everyone who owns a vehicle has to see a mechanic once in a while. However, mechanics are often underappreciated for their work. Many people don’t realize that mechanics have many risks in their occupations.
When mechanics are injured at work, they can suffer medical conditions that make it hard for them to return to work. The following are a few:
1. Chemical exposure
Many of the chemicals mechanics work with are hazardous and flammable. If an employee comes in contact with these chemicals, either through their skin or by inhaling them, then they could develop severe health effects. For example, skin contact with a chemical could leave burns or rashes. Inhaling a chemical could cause internal burns, organ damage and immune system issues.
2. Eye injuries
Mechanics are constantly working under vehicles. When they do this, they have a chance of suffering an eye injury. This could happen, for example, if a liquid drips from a vehicle and onto a mechanic’s face. Another way an employee would suffer an eye injury is if they were exposed to an airborne chemical.
3. Limb loss
Mechanics often use heavy machinery. If a tool, such as a power drill or saw, is mishandled, then a worker may suffer from dismemberment. This could also happen if a floor jack broke and trapped a worker under a vehicle. Some limb injuries may not be severe enough to cause dismemberment, however, they may still sever bone, nerves and muscle, which can greatly impact a worker’s skills.
4. Slip-and-fall accidents
Almost every time a mechanic has to work on a vehicle, there’s a chance that oil and other vehicle liquids will spill on the floor. These liquids can cause the car shop’s floor to become slick. Employees may slip and fall on these slick surfaces and suffer head and spine injuries.
If you’re injured at work, then you may need to be aware of your rights to seek workers’ compensation.