HSE issues warning after four deaths working under cars

The HSE has issued a warning about the life-threatening dangers of working under vehicles after four workers in the motor vehicle repair industry were crushed to death by incorrectly-supported vehicles over a 10-month period. HSE figures also show that 13 more workers were killed in the five years to March 2022, and the annual death rate in this industry is 1.62 deaths per 100,000 workers. This is around four times the average rate across all industries.

The HSE figures relate specifically to motor vehicle repair, but the regulator says work on vehicles happens across industries including transportation and agriculture. HSE inspector Fiona McGarry says the tragedies could easily have been avoided through the use of the correct equipment.

“We are becoming increasingly concerned about the scale of the issue,” she added. “Failure to learn from near misses or injuries will risk lives.”

The HSE is advising workers they should never work beneath a vehicle that is only supported on jacks; never work beneath a cab or tipping trailer unless it is propped; and never crawl beneath a vehicle fitted with air suspension unless it is properly supported.

Further advice on working safely under motor vehicles being repaired can be found on the HSE website.