Retail motor trades industry

The retail motor industry is made up of the following business types:

• new and used motor vehicle dealers
• automotive, electrical and radiator repair services
• collision repairers
• automotive accessories, tyre and battery retailing
• service stations workers.

Workers

Workers in the industry are engaged in a range of occupations, from salespersons to engineers, and a vast range of skilled tradespersons and apprentices. There are many new and young workers in the industry, and much of the work requires lifting, pushing and moving.

Hazards

The industry accounts for a large portion of the injuries that occur in workplaces in South Australia. Some hazards and risks faced by its workers include:

• chemical hazards
• electrical hazards
• working in confined spaces
• slips, trips and falls
• young/new workers
• manual handling.

With these hazards in mind, the SAfer Industries Working Party have developed a number of tools to assist workplaces to minimise the risks and understand safe work in the industry.