Perception of occupational risk among automobile and motorcycle mechanics: a study in the informal sector of the Municipality of Baranoa (Atlantico, Colombia).

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.