Vehicle repairers can be entitled to industrial accident compensation
As motor vehicles have become more sophisticated and technologically advanced, the men and women who service and repair them have had to become more knowledgeable but, unfortunately, there is still quite a high toll of deaths and injuries among garage workers, many of whom are entitled to claim industrial accident compensation.
Between 2005 and 2010, 24 deaths and more than 8,000 workplace injuries were recorded by the Health and Safety Executive across a variety of sectors in the industry.
Some of the most common causes of injury and illness, which affect both employed and self-employed vehicle workers, are:
- Asbestos
In the past asbestos was used in a number of vehicle components but as these have all now been banned and replaced with safer products, there is little likelihood of a worker contracting an
asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, as a result of his job. However, asbestos was used in the construction of many industrial buildings and it is possible for people to be exposed to the potentially-harmful dust if the covering of the material has deteriorated or is otherwise damaged.
- Benzene
Benzene is found in both crude oil and petrol and can be absorbed through the skin or breathed in. There is a small risk of blood disorders, such as anaemia and leukaemia, being contracted as a result of long-term exposure but this is rare and simple precautions when handling petrol should be quite adequate to avoid harm.
- Cleaning/degreasing substances
Direct skin and eye contact with a variety of cleaning and degreasing substances, particularly those used in valeting, can be harmful, possibly causing dermatitis or similar problems, while breathing in the vapours can cause breathing difficulties or affect the central nervous system. Workers are recommended to follow all safety guidelines on products and ensure there is adequate ventilation.
- Engine oil
Used engine oil may cause dermatitis and other skin complaints if it is in frequent and prolonged contact with skin, so wearing gloves and overalls should help to reduce this risk of illness.
- Falls from height
A falls from a ladder is a frequent reason for motor vehicle repair workers to be hurt, with other situations contributing to a rate of nearly 10% of workplace accidents in the industry. Other hazardous situations for falls are from vehicle inspection pits or rolling roads, the tops of commercial vehicles or trailer units, raised storage areas and maintenance work carried out above floor level in the building.
- Harmful dusts and sanding
Dermatitis can be caused by the polyester solvents and hardening mixers used with body fillers, while lead released during power sanding can release hazardous quantities of dust. To reduce the problem, hand filing is recommended for large amounts of filler and there should be adequate ventilation with dust extraction.
- Latex gloves
Another source of dermatitis can be latex rubber gloves, the powdered variety of which can also cause asthma. Low protein, powder-free latex gloves are available and there are alternatives such as soft nitrile, vinyl and plastic.
- Manual handling
More than 30% of injuries in the motor vehicle repair industry occur when the victim is lifting, carrying, supporting or moving heavy loads by hand or making other bodily effort. To avoid these problems, mechanical aids should be used wherever possible and employees need to be trained to lift and carry loads safely.
- Noise
Noise is a serious health hazard, especially where pneumatic and other heavy tools are used, often leading to work-induced hearing loss.
- Slips and trips
About 20% of accidents in this sector are caused by slips, trips and falls which can easily be prevented.
- Vehicle exhaust emissions
Repeatedly inhaling exhaust fumes, especially from diesels, can lead to a risk of developing lung cancer, preventable with workplace ventilation, and an exhaust gas collection system should be used when an engine is running.
- Workplace transport
Manoeuvring vehicles around the workplace can be hazardous for both workers and members of the public and everyone in the environment should be well aware of the dangers, and guard against them.
YouClaim for industrial accident compensation
If you or a close loved one has suffered a workplace injury, which was not the fault of the victim, while employed in vehicle repair work or elsewhere, industrial accident compensation may be payable.
Here at YouClaim we have a nationwide panel of experienced personal injury solicitors who can help achieve deserved recompense for those whose job has led to them being hurt.
To talk to one of our sympathetic and helpful legal staff about receiving industrial accident compensation, you can call 0800 100 757 95 or give us some details of your claim on the form on this page and we'll get back to you.
