Implementing Artificial Intelligence to Reduce Risks in Auto Repair Services
Auto repair workshops are high-risk environments where workers face frequent accidents caused by slips, trips, heavy lifting, exposure to hazardous substances, and malfunctioning equipment. Despite advances in occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, accident rates in Romania and across the European Union remain above average, highlighting the need for new preventive strategies. This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be systematically applied to reduce operational and safety risks in auto repair shops. Accident statistics and a detailed risk assessment of slips, trips, and falls provide the foundation for analyzing AI-based solutions, including computer vision, augmented reality, smart floors, voice assistance, and predictive analytics. A six-month pilot project conducted in a Romanian auto repair shop demonstrated a 28% reduction in minor accidents, faster hazard detection, and measurable economic benefits, while also revealing challenges such as false positives, resistance to change, and maintenance requirements. The findings confirm that AI can move workplace safety from reactive to preventive management by enabling real-time monitoring, proactive alerts, and predictive forecasting. The study concludes that AI, when combined with training and organizational adaptation, can significantly enhance worker protection, operational efficiency, and sustainability in the automotive repair sector.