The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a warning to members of the public who maintain their motor vehicles themselves to take care.
The ACCC noted that around 120 people had died as a result of do it yourself (DIY) car maintenance accidents since 2000, with many hundreds more hospitalised due to injuries.
Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Mick Keogh said the Commission had developed a safety campaign which included a video explaining the correct procedure for common DIY car maintenance tasks.
“Tragically, many people, including some experienced mechanics, have been crushed and killed while working under their car,” Mr Keogh said, noting that most of the fatalities were men and involved the vehicle being lifted or supported the wrong way.
He said most victims were aged 40 to 49.
“We’ve created this video to help people understand and avoid the common unsafe practices with DIY repairs to help reduce the likelihood of an accident,” Mr Keogh said.
“Research shows most fatalities happen when the victims are working under a vehicle and using equipment incorrectly, with many of the fatalities involving the use of vehicle jacks.”
He said the ACCC wanted to get the message out that people should never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack — “they should always use support stands or ramps, and chocks”.
“Additionally, while some people may have applied safeguards such as applying the handbrake, the work they are doing while underneath the car may disengage the handbrake, leading to potential accidents,” Mr Keogh said.
More information about safe vehicle maintenance is available at this PS News link.
