Repairers must develop appropriate methods for each job, using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques. Body repairers usually work alone with only general directions from supervisors. In some shops, they may be assisted by helpers or apprentices. The majority of automotive body repairers work a standard 40 hour week, but those who are self employed may work 60 or more hours a week. They work indoors in body shops which are noisy because of the banging of hammers against metal and the whir of power tools.
Most shops are well ventilated to partially disperse dust and paint fumes.
Body repairers often work in awkward or cramped positions, and much of their work is strenuous and dirty. Hazards include cuts from sharp metal edges, burns from torches and heated metal, injuries from power tools, and fumes from paint. Employment Automotive body repairers held about 209,000 jobs in 1994. Most worked for shops that specialized in body repairs and painting, and for automobile and truck dealers. Others worked for organizations that maintain their own motor vehicles, such as trucking companies and automobile rental companies.