Automotive Industry

Automotive Industry

When people think of the automotive industry, they usually think of auto technicians who repair vehicles. However, this industry is one that transcends many industries and provides around 8 million jobs in the United States. Automotive-related jobs can be found in factories, on assembly lines, metal stamping, dealerships, laboratories, engine plants and more. Production and manufacturing positions account for about 33 percent of automotive jobs, and installation and repair account for about 32 percent.

Work Activities in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry uses many machines to help get the job done. However, the employees who perform the work keep the industry rolling. Over 2,000,000 laborers work at specialized jobs doing a variety of tasks, including machining, forming, bending, welding, stamping and assembling.

Auto technicians might work on passenger vehicles, large equipment, big trucks, boats, motorcycles, lawn equipment, farm equipment, and “toys,” such as four-wheelers, side-by-side utility vehicles, golf carts and mopeds.

Some of the work activities might include:

• Adjusting parts and screws.
• Assembling components and bolts.
• Attaching cables.
• Connecting devices.
• Working with electrical components.
• Bodywork, including removing dents and welding.
• Replacing broken window glass, including windshields.
• Grinding.
• Installing parts.
• Deburring.
• Inspecting.
• Working with sharp metal.
• Fabricating parts.
• Machining.
• Overhauling engines and transmissions.
• Metal stamping.
• Handling fuel tanks and pumps.
• Milling.
• Welding.

These are just a few of the work activities across the automotive industry. Anytime a worker grinds metal, welds, mills, or does many of these activities, small bits of metal and sparks could damage the workers’ eyes. Gas tanks can explode. Machinery can trap hands. Wearing the proper personal protective equipment for each job in the various industries helps keep people safe. Abolox carries many different forms of PPE, including but not limted to goggles, hart hats, hi-vis clothing, gloves and FR clothing.

Occupations in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry covers several occupations including:

• Assemblers.
• Fabricators.
• Mechanics.
• Metal and plastic workers.
• Bodywork.
• Samplers, inspectors, sorters, and weighers.
• Painters.
• Welders.
• Laborers.
• Material movers.
• Production workers.
• Press machine workers.
• Tire manufacturers.
• Machine tool cutting setters and operators.
• Extruding and drawing operators.
• Construction workers.
• Electricians.

This is just a partial list of occupations in the automotive industry. Most occupations require workers to wear safety equipment, whether it is fire-retardent clothing, high-vis clothing or eye protection.

Tools in the Automotive Industry

Some of the common tools used in the automotive industry include:

• Pliers and clamps.
• Pullers.
• Hammers, prybars, punches and chisels.
• Sockets, ratchets and extensions.
• Insulated tools, including wrenches.
• Spring removers.
• Diagnostic equipment.
• Flat-head screwdrivers.
• Phillips’ screwdrivers.
• Wrenches.
• Air conditioning recovery systems.
• Presses.
• Tire machines.
• Tire balancers.
• Alignment machines.

Automotive Safety

The safety clothing and equipment you need in the automotive industry depends on your occupation. Injuries could happen at any time, whether you work at a vehicle manufacturer or you repair passenger vehicles.

An auto tech that can fix your car’s engine might not need high-visibility clothing but might need face and eye protection. A worker on a welding assembly line might require fire-retardent clothing. Some occupations in the automotive industry are more dangerous than others and need a higher level of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Some of the safety equipment required for automotive workers include:

• Safety glasses.
• Goggles.
• Face protection.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Safety gloves.
• Safety shirts.
• Cooling products.
• Safety vests.
• FR clothing.
• Ear protection.
• Head safety.

Visit Abolox

Whether you need tools and personal protective equipment for yourself or your contractors, Abolox has what you need. We carry quality tools and personal protective equipment from known brands.

You can purchase many items in bulk or individually. If you don’t see what you need, contact us, and we will source it for you.