Perception of occupational risk among automobile and motorcycle mechanics: a study in the informal sector of the Municipality of Baranoa (Atlantico, Colombia). Percepción del riesgo laboral en mecánicos de automóviles y motocicletas: un estudio en el sector informal del Municipio de Baranoa (Atlantico, Colombia).
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The perception of occupational risk was analyzed among automobile and motorcycle mechanics working in the informal sector of the municipality of Baranoa (Atlántico, Colombia). This observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study (n = 33) was conducted during the first semester of 2025. A Likert-scale questionnaire (1–5) was applied, adapted from González (2015), consisting of 30 items across four dimensions: Risk knowledge (1–6), Workplace conditions (7–12), Safety practices (13–18), and Perceptions/attitudes (19–30). Mean scores were calculated for each dimension and overall. Reliability was adequate (overall α = 0.80; dimension α = 0.81–0.85). The overall mean score was 3.85 (SD = 0.46). By dimension: Risk knowledge = 4.05; Safety practices = 3.96; Workplace conditions = 3.84; Perceptions/attitudes = 3.70. Operational indicators: 72.7% reported receiving risk training; 63.6% reported use of PPE; 87.9% reported tool inspections; 48.5% perceived their trade as a health risk; and 36.4% reported stress due to working conditions. Internal consistency supported the reliability of the instrument. Findings revealed a moderate-to-high perception of occupational risk and basic preventive behaviors, with a gap between declared knowledge and personal risk assessment. The normalization of risk in informal contexts suggests the need to prioritize feasible and culturally appropriate control measures.
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