Heavy vehicles overhead, flammable chemicals around, and a principle: engineer it, don't trust to care
A workshop packs heavy vehicles on hoists, flammable chemicals, power tools and noise into one space. The serious risks are lifting equipment failing while someone's underneath, and exposure to solvents and isocyanate paints. WorkSafe's principle is to engineer the risk out rather than rely on careful behaviour: maintained hoists, axle stands every time, good ventilation and the right PPE.
Vehicles, lifting gear, flammable chemicals, power tools and noise — all in one busy space.
An automotive or mechanical workshop is a concentrated mix of serious hazards, which is why WorkSafe's guiding principle for the sector matters: don't rely on safe behaviour as your main control. Training, supervision and procedures all need constant effort to maintain and fail when someone's tired or rushed. Physical changes — maintained equipment, the right ventilation, stands that hold a vehicle up regardless — protect people even on a bad day. Engineer the risk out where you can.
Workshop harm clusters around lifting, chemicals, fire, noise and the moving vehicles themselves.
| Hazard | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Hoists & jacks | Lifting equipment failing or a vehicle dropping onto someone working underneath. |
| Hazardous substances | Solvents, isocyanate paints, used oil and brake dust harming lungs and skin. |
| Fire & flammable vapour | Significant quantities of flammable substances and vapour build-up. |
| Noise & vibration | Power tools, compressors and engines causing hearing loss and hand-arm vibration. |
| Manual handling | Heavy parts and awkward, sustained postures. |
| Tyres & vehicles | Tyre inflation incidents, and being struck by vehicles moving in and out. |
The hazard that kills in a workshop is a vehicle coming down while someone's beneath it.
Have vehicle hoists regularly inspected and maintained, used only by trained operators, and within their rated load. When using a jack, always support the vehicle on axle stands as well — never rely on a jack alone, even for a quick job. Treat service pits as the fall-and-confined-space risk they are. This is classic “engineer it” territory: the stand holds the vehicle up whether or not anyone remembered to be careful.
Workshops store and use significant quantities of hazardous, often flammable, substances — and the harm can be slow and invisible.
Keep an inventory and a safety data sheet for every substance, substitute for less hazardous products where you can, and control exposure with good ventilation and local exhaust — especially for spraying. Solvents pass through skin and lungs easily, and isocyanates in two-pack paints are a serious respiratory sensitiser, so use the right PPE including nitrile gloves and air-fed respirators, and keep the visor down even after the mist clears. Manage flammable storage, vapour zones, the right fire extinguishers, spill kits and secondary containment — and note you may need compliance certificates depending on quantities. Our hazardous substances guide covers the framework.
Inventories, hoist checks and PPE controls in one place. Book a demo and we'll show you how it works — free 30-day trial included.
Lifting equipment failing or a vehicle dropping onto someone working underneath, and exposure to hazardous substances like solvents and isocyanate paints. Fire from flammable substances, noise and vibration, manual handling, tyre incidents and being struck by moving vehicles are also significant.
Use vehicle hoists that are regularly inspected and maintained, operated by trained people within their rated load. When using a jack, always support the vehicle on axle stands as well — never rely on a jack alone, even briefly. Treat service pits as a fall and confined-space risk.
Don't rely on safe behaviour as your main control. Training, supervision and procedures require constant effort and fail when people are tired or rushed. Physical, engineering controls — maintained equipment, ventilation, axle stands — protect people even on a bad day.
Keep an inventory and safety data sheets, substitute for less hazardous products where possible, and control exposure with good ventilation and local exhaust. Solvents absorb through skin and lungs, and isocyanates in two-pack paints are a serious respiratory hazard, so use nitrile gloves and air-fed respirators and keep your visor down after spraying.
You may, depending on the types and quantities of hazardous substances you store and use. Collision repair and mechanical workshops often hold significant quantities of flammable substances, which can trigger requirements like certified handlers, storage and signage. Check the requirements for your specific inventory.
