Protecting people through prevention

While much of ILC’s repair sector event – ILC Motor Repair – focused on vehicle technology, electrification and the future of repair, Mirka’s Andy Smith Showcase Stage presentation served as a reminder that one of the industry’s most important responsibilities remains much closer to home.

As Business Sector Manager – Collision Repair at Mirka, Andy explored the issue of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and the role technology can play in helping businesses better understand, monitor and manage vibration exposure in the workplace.

The session focused on awareness, duty of care and employee wellbeing, highlighting the importance of ensuring technicians are protected while carrying out everyday repair tasks.

HAVS remains a recognised occupational health risk across a number of industries where employees regularly use vibrating hand-held tools. Within accident repair, sanding and preparation processes can result in prolonged vibration exposure, making monitoring and management an important consideration for employers.

Measure and understand

Andy explained that while awareness of vibration-related risks has improved significantly in recent years, many businesses still face challenges when it comes to accurately measuring exposure levels and understanding how they vary across different activities and individuals.

The presentation highlighted the responsibilities employers have in relation to employee welfare and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, emphasising that vibration exposure should be monitored and managed in the same way as other workplace risks.

A significant part of the session focused on Mirka’s myMirka App, which has been developed to provide users with greater visibility of vibration exposure when using compatible Mirka electric and cordless tools.

The App allows technicians and businesses to track and monitor vibration exposure throughout the working day using integrated vibration sensors built into Mirka tools.

The objective is to provide users with real-time information that can support safer working practices and help employers make more informed decisions around tool usage and exposure management.

Clear picture

Andy outlined several of the features available within the platform, including live vibration monitoring, tool speed information, usage tracking and colour-coded indicators designed to provide a simple visual representation of vibration levels.

The system also records total usage time and trigger time, helping users build a clearer picture of cumulative exposure over the course of a working day.

By making this information readily accessible, the aim is to move vibration monitoring from a reactive process to a proactive one.

Rather than relying solely on estimates or periodic assessments, businesses can gain access to real-time data that helps support compliance and employee wellbeing.

The presentation demonstrated how users can review detailed information through the App, including usage data, vibration measurements and tool settings.

Andy suggested that providing technicians with greater visibility of their own exposure can also help increase awareness and encourage positive behaviours.

Alongside vibration monitoring, the platform includes additional functionality designed to support equipment management.

Users can register tools through the App, extending warranty coverage and creating a centralised record of equipment within the business.

People

While all these features provide practical operational benefits, the central message of the session remained focused on people.

Throughout ARC360, discussions regularly returned to themes such as skills, recruitment and employee development. Andy’s presentation offered a different perspective on workforce sustainability, focusing on the importance of protecting existing talent and ensuring technicians can enjoy long and healthy careers within the industry.

As vehicle repair processes continue to evolve and businesses invest in new technologies, workplace wellbeing remains a fundamental consideration.

The ability to better understand workplace risks, monitor exposure and support safer working practices can help organisations strengthen both compliance and employee welfare.

For repairers, the message was straightforward: technology is often associated with productivity, efficiency and performance improvements. However, it can also play an important role in helping businesses fulfil their duty of care and create safer working environments for their teams.

Supported by Corporate Partners Allscreens, BASF, e2e, Exclusive Repair Network, iBodyshop, Mirka, NWVA, Prasco UK, Repairify, S&G, Sherwin-Williams, Solera Audatex and Spire Drive, alongside sponsors Partly, Silverlake Automotive Recycling and Thatcham Research; as well as  Industry Body Partners AutoRaise, MIB, NBRA and Trend Tracker; and Vehicle Manufacturer Partner Stellantis, ILC’s Motor Repair Conference 2026 attracted close to 400 key persons of influence from across the UK vehicle repair and motor claims sector.