Characterizing the health and safety needs of the collision repair industry.

Characterizing the health and safety needs of the collision repair industry.

Whittaker, Stephen G;Reeb-Whitaker, Carolyn;
journal of occupational and environmental hygiene 2009 Vol. 6 pp. 273-82
182
whittaker2009characterizingjournal

Abstract

Production workers in the collision repair industry are potentially exposed to many harmful chemicals, including isocyanates. Of particular concern is the burden of work-related asthma in this industry that likely reflects exposures to the isocyanates in two-part paints. The main objectives of this study were to gather information about: (i) the collision repair industry business model, (ii) the number of collision repair production workers potentially exposed to isocyanates, (iii) additional chemical and physical exposures of concern, (iv) current health and safety practices in the industry, (v) the health and safety perceptions and needs of business owners and managers, and (vi) strategies to reduce exposure and increase employer and worker awareness. Data were gathered using a combination of key informant interviews, field investigations, and a statewide needs assessment survey. Although a response bias cannot be excluded, the 69% response rate suggests that the survey results are likely representative of Washington State's collision repair industry. Collision repair was determined to be a male-dominated industry chiefly comprising small, nonunionized, family-run businesses. Many shops face numerous safety and health challenges resulting from a combination of misinformation within the industry, insufficient funds to address workplace health and safety concerns, and social barriers to enforcing best practices within the shops. Most notably, inappropriate selection and use of respirators and gloves likely contribute significantly to isocyanate exposures. Collision repair workers are potentially exposed to a variety of additional chemical and physical hazards that deserve attention. This industry requires health and safety intervention of both an educational campaign and technical assistance. Any such intervention must account for the financial, demographic, and social characteristics of this industry.

Citation

ID: 19578
Ref Key: whittaker2009characterizingjournal
Use this key to autocite in SciMatic or Thesis Manager

References

Blockchain Verification

Account:
NFT Contract Address:
0x95644003c57E6F55A65596E3D9Eac6813e3566dA
Article ID:
19578
Unique Identifier:
10.1080/15459620902775609
Network:
Scimatic Chain (ID: 481)
Loading...
Blockchain Readiness Checklist
Authors
Abstract
Journal Name
Year
Title
5/5
Creates 1,000,000 NFT tokens for this article
Token Features:
  • ERC-1155 Standard NFT
  • 1 Million Supply per Article
  • Transferable via MetaMask
  • Permanent Blockchain Record
Blockchain QR Code
Scan with Saymatik Web3.0 Wallet

Saymatik Web3.0 Wallet