WVADA NEWS 18 Why Safety Matters at Your Dealership THE COST OF INACTION Workplace safety is a fundamental responsibility for every organization, but at a new-car automobile dealership, it can be easy to overlook the risks that exist beyond the sales floor. Dealerships bring together employees, customers, vehicles, equipment and active service operations every day. From the service bay and parts department to the vehicle lot and customer areas, safety risks are part of the business — and ignoring them can come with significant financial and operational consequences. No dealership wants to see an employee injured at work. Investing in safety training demonstrates dedication to protecting people first while also reducing risk and avoiding costly incidents. According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of a work-related death in the United States was $1.46 million in 2023, while the average cost of a medically consulted workplace injury was $43,000. These figures serve as a reminder that a commitment to safety is a commitment to people and also the long-term health of the business. The true cost of an incident can extend well beyond the immediate medical expense. A workplace injury can lead to workers’ compensation costs, lost productivity, overtime, equipment or property damage, operational disruptions, increased insurance costs and potential regulatory consequences. For a dealership, an injury involving a technician, service advisor, parts employee or lot attendant can affect an entire department. When an experienced employee is unavailable, other team members may have to absorb additional responsibilities, potentially slowing vehicle repairs, service appointments or other customer commitments. SAFETY IS PART OF CUSTOMER SERVICE In a dealership environment, safety also extends to customers and visitors. Customers are walking through parking lots, service drives and showroom areas while employees are moving vehicles and performing work. A wet floor, obstructed walkway, improperly stored equipment or vehicle moving through a busy area can create a hazard for more than just an employee. A strong safety program helps protect everyone who enters the dealership. Clearly marked pedestrian areas, clean and unobstructed walkways, proper vehicle movement procedures, appropriate personal protective equipment and well-maintained equipment are simple examples of proactive risk management. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DESERVES SPECIAL ATTENTION The service department presents its own unique set of hazards. Technicians work around moving vehicles, lifts, tools, electrical systems, chemicals, tires and heavy components. Preventing injuries requires more than having safety policies on paper. Employees need training, appropriate equipment and a workplace culture where safe practices are expected every day.
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