Safety experts are warning people about the dangers of working on their cars at home.

Out of the 25 workers in the car repair industry killed in the last five years, more than half (17) of the deaths were caused when work took place under a vehicle that wasn’t properly supported, figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show.

Official and anecdotal reports of a wide range of working practices gone wrong are leading to fears mechanics and enthusiasts are putting their lives in danger routinely.

HSE has guidance on working safely under motor vehicles being repaired and has also issued a safety alert for air suspension systems on vehicles.

Fiona McGarry, an HSE inspector who works with the motor vehicle repair trade, said: “One death is too many – to us, these tragedies could easily have been avoided, but they keep happening. Sadly, the phrase we hear too often is ‘this will only take me a minute’. It is crucial the correct equipment is used when working under vehicles.

“While our figures relate specifically to motor vehicle repair, work on vehicles happens across industries including transportation and agriculture. We all need to ensure work on vehicles is carried out safely, regardless of sector.

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

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HSE’s advice:

Never work beneath a vehicle that is only supported on jacks:

• Use axle stands that are in good condition and inspected every year

• Use stands on firm, level ground and securely located under a strong point on the vehicle

• Securely chock wheels remaining on the ground

• Do not exceed the rated capacity of the stand

Never work beneath a cab or tipping trailer unless it is propped:

• Always prop cabs, trailers etc that could drop under their own weight

• The prop should be locked in position before gaining access

• If there is no prop fitted, or if one is fitted but you are unsure it will be effective, provide your own

Never crawl beneath a vehicle fitted with air suspension unless it is properly supported:

• Prevent movement of air suspension, either by using suitably rated props or stands to prevent the chassis lowering or by deflating the system

• Don’t tamper with the ride height for the purpose of recovery or repair

HSE has guidance on working safely under motor vehicles being repaired and has also issued a safety alert for air suspension systems on vehicles.