1. David Branch III
12th Grade
2 Block English IV
nd
Daniel G. Barrett
-Automotive Shop Safety-
In today's auto shop there are many potential hazards to the fragile human body. In order to
have a safe and productive work environment, there are simple steps that need to be taken in
order to ensure the physical safety of everyone in an automotive service shop. There are many
tools and pieces of equipment in use that can potentially seriously injure a person.
The junior paper was about Automotive Engineering. The Automotive Engineering paper
thesis statement was “Automobiles are the best and most fun things to happen to America, and
automotive engineering is the best career path in the world.”Theresearch paper covered
automotive services, automotive industry employment monthly average, and automotive industry
employment nonmonthly average. The Automotive Engineering paper also contained
crashevading, active-acting, and education.
I will demonstrate the importance and raise awareness of automotive shop safety. I will
volunteer at Jiffy Lube and teach a class on automotive shop safety. The people that will be
involved are David Branch, Aaron, and Eric Minter. The supplies I will need to complete my
product will be a trifold board, a camera, safety glasses, nonslip shoes, and an automotive
jumpsuit. My estimate of the cost will be $145 since I already have most of the items. I will use
pictures for the evidence of the product. My two possible mentors are Eric Minter and Aaron. I
have chosen Eric Minter because he was recommended to me by my English IV teacher Daniel
G. Barrett. I have chosen Aaron because he is a manager at the Jiffy Lube where I am
volunteering and taking notes. I found Eric at the school. He is my teacher for Microsoft Word,
PowerPoint & Publisher. When I found Aaron, I was at Jiffy Lube asking if I could volunteer.
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2. David Branch III
12th Grade
2 Block English IV
nd
Daniel G. Barrett
The automotive mechanics are more likely than the average worker to be injured or killed on
the job. Evidence shows higher rates of fatalities, injuries and illnesses. “For both fatal and
nonfatal injuries, contact with objects and equipment, such as parts and materials and vehicles,
represents a significant hazard” (Occupational Injuries). Many of the remaining nonfatal cases
are due to overexertion and sprains and strains; assaults and violent acts are a leading cause of
workplace fatalities.
“The first step is to take census of your auto or mechanical shop and locate machinery and
tools that can be potentially hazardous” (Aaron). Any machine or tool that can cause a serious
injury must be safeguarded. This piece of equipment needs to be safeguarded and all applicable
safety features should be correctly installed. The next level of safety is the person. Once the auto
shop is a safe and secure environment, one will need to consider the mechanics and other
workers in the area. “Eye protection should be worn at all times” (Aaron).“Hand and feet
protection is usually fairly obvious” (Aaron).Most mechanics wear gloves to prevent burns and
cutting while working on automobile. But gloves are also needed for a variety of other tasks as
well. Do not handle chemicals and solvents without wearing gloves and remember to remove
watches and other jewelry as well.
Safety in the auto shop requires some basic common sense and attention to detail. A safe
work environment is a combination of both the work area and the workers themselves. It is
everyone's responsibility to make sure the proper safety gear is worn and the rules are followed.
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3. David Branch III
12th Grade
2 Block English IV
nd
Daniel G. Barrett
-WorksCited-
Aaron. Personal Interview.Jiffy Lube employee. 22 Feb. 2012.
Smith, Sean M. “Occupational Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities to Automotive Service
Technicians and Mechanics, 2003 to 2005.” 23 May 2007. Bureau of Labor Statistics
<bls.gov>
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