Automotive
Industry Module

The automotive repair and maintenance industry can be hazardous to young workers, especially those who are new to the job and may not know what to watch out for.

Young workers take on a range of roles in this industry, including auto mechanic, glazier, panel beater, and spray painter.

30.3%

Be Aware

of work-related injuries in this industry involve young workers.

That's nearly 1 in 3.
Be smart. Be the diference.

Module structure

  • 7 Sections

    Each with a quiz, followed by a fun ‘Spot the Hazard’ industry simulation.

  • 25 to 30 Minutes

    Estimated learning time

100% pass required, but don’t worry, you get unlimited attempts.

Working in the automotive industry can be dangerous

Knowing the risks and how to stay safe isn’t just about following rules—it’s about making sure you and your mates avoid serious injuries at work.

In the automotive industry, young workers like you take on a variety of hands-on tasks, such as:

  • Mechanical work

    Installing, repairing and maintaining automotive mechanical systems.

  • Glass repairs and replacement

    Fixing or replacing windscreens, as well as side and rear glass.

  • Painting and surface prep

    Sanding panels, masking surfaces, colour matching, and mixing paints.

  • Body repairs

    epairing damage to metal, plastic, or fibreglass bodywork on vehicles.

  • Equipment handling

    Using, cleaning and maintaining various equipment and machines.

  • Customer estimates

    Preparing cost estimates and documentation for clients.

Statistics

Top incidents causing injuries

These are the top 10 types of incidents causing injuries to young workers in the automotive repair and maintenance industry, based on a five-year average.

Other hazard hotspots you should know

  • Contact with a chemical or hazardous substance

  • Electrical safety

  • Fire and explosion hazards

Source

WorkCover WA claims data (2019–20 to 2023–24p), analysed by WorkSafe WA, 2025.

Notes

  • Calculations are based on a five-year total from 2019-20 to 2023-24p.
  • Percentages are based on all incident types; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding or overlapping categories.
  • Injuries are measured by the number of LTI/Ds (lost time injuries/diseases), defined as one or more days/shifts lost.
  • The SmartMove automotive repair and maintenance industry is classified under ANZSIC 2006 – Group 941: Automotive Repair and Maintenance.

Build your safety smarts?

Start SmartMove to learn how to spot hazards, stay safe, and look out for your team. Knowing the risks and how to manage them helps protect you and your mates from serious injuries on the job.

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