Window washers. Race car drivers. Oil mill workers. You might associate these jobs with danger. However, being a mechanic is also perilous, even if it doesn’t appear that way. This article goes over three common risks mechanics face every day. Read on to learn more.
Breathing Problems
Mechanics often experience breathing problems because gas, oil and other vapors can make enter a mechanic’s lungs. Short-term effects include a cough and difficult breathing. However, they can develop more serious conditions like lung cancer after consistent exposure. What can you do to prevent this? As a mechanic, you should wear a mask to keep any harmful substances from entering your airway.
Muscle Strains
If you’re a mechanic, you could suffer from muscle spasms. This might happen because you’re constantly bending down trying to fix a car or rebuild a hydraulic pump. However, there’s no need to become anxious. Here are a few things you can do to resolve muscle tension:
- Talk to your physician about getting prescription pain relievers.
- Apply heat and ice to the area until it feels better.
- Rest. Take a day off to relax your body if you feel especially awful.
Eye Injuries and Burns
Mechanics also face the risk of eye injuries and burns. You never know when an engine component may shoot off sparks. As a result, you should wear goggles to protect your eyesight. Also, try to wear durable clothing. Flimsier materials are more likely to get caught up in an engine or tangled with a part. You should also wear flame-resistant clothes to further protect yourself at work.
You can prevent all of these common risks mechanics face. All you need is the proper personal protective equipment to keep you safe. Don’t work without wearing the proper clothing and equipment, because you could put your health at risk.
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