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Auto manufacturers are quick to note that technicians increasingly work with meters and probes rather than wrenches and lifts. Nonetheless, car repair still can be hard, physical work. Granted, it requires more training and thinking than ever before, but brawn is still important. Staying in shape and knowing your limits can go a long way toward keeping you healthy and fit for work. Here are some steps to follow for safer work habits.
Think of All You Do
When you think about how you use your body to do your job, immediately it should be obvious that you need to take care of your muscles, limbs and joints. Auto technicians routinely must use their bodies to lift, pull and push tools and equipment. Often you labor in awkward positions, putting additional stress on muscles and joints. Complicating many tasks is the fact that the objects to be maneuvered into place are heavy and the effort required to remove or install items may be substantial.
In addition to having the strength and coordination to do these jobs, technicians also must be able to hold objects steady, remain standing for long periods of time, possess above-average balance and coordination and make quick, repeated motions with the fingers, hands and arms.
Get Comfortable
If it hurts, then it probably is not good for you. That sounds simple enough, but when it comes to fixing vehicles you probably find yourself adopting many uncomfortable stances. For the most part, these will not result in injury. If you undertake the same procedures that require adopting the same uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time, however, you may be a prime candidate for an injury.
“Uncomfortable positions and strain are risk factors [for injury],” says Frederick Bailey, clinic operations manager at CorpCare Occupational Health Center in Connecticut.
Watch for Repetitive Motions
If you tackle a variety of repairs on many different models, the likelihood of suffering a repetitive motion injury is markedly reduced. Bailey notes that this type of injury is not common among automotive technicians. If you do the same job repeatedly with the same body motions, however, you could be a prime candidate for this type of injury.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, repetitive motion injuries can “cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in the body, such as the muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments.”
Treat Injuries Seriously
It is bad enough to be injured on the job, but once injured, it is critical that you heal before returning to the tasks that caused the injury. When you do return, look for new ways to accomplish the work that caused your injury in the first place.
Even though an injury may come suddenly, it is often the result of years of physical exertion, according to Bailey. “People say, ‘I felt a pop in my back when I lifted that box,’” he says. “Back injury, however, is often a cumulative trauma. A single incident may seem to be the cause, but it has been building over time.”
“You should definitely check with your healthcare provider when you notice an ache or pain that doesn’t go away,” Bailey adds. “The longer you take to get it addressed, the longer, typically, it takes to heal.”
Don’t Exert Too Much Force
Many injuries occur when a technician strains to move a part or loosen a fastener. Then, when the part suddenly gives, the technician loses control. The wrench may fly off the part. In some cases, the technician will actually fall. The technician could incur injuries to the hand or arm if working in a confined area.
The solution is simple: Limit the force you apply so you can keep control of your body if the part suddenly shifts, breaks or loosens. If you cannot apply enough force within this limit, choose a tool that gives you more mechanical advantage. A longer wrench, for example, will make the job of loosening a stubborn nut easier. So can a helping hand from another tech.
