Every year, workers in the motor vehicle and parts dealers industry are seriously injured on the job in ways that could have been averted. Common incidents include struck-by and caught-in events, vehicle collisions, lacerations, and poor lifting practices. These hazards can lead to lengthy recoveries, making a forward-thinking safety approach essential.

Fortunately, most of these injuries are avoidable. A comprehensive safety approach—rooted in proven protocols and empowered by modern technology like Video AI—can minimize risk and keep technicians, sales staff, and customers safe.

In this guide, we’ll break down four of the top injuries that can occur in motor vehicle and parts dealers facilities and, most importantly, how to decrease their likelihood.

The cost of safety negligence in motor vehicle and parts dealers

Safety lapses don’t just harm people—they carry a heavy price tag. OSHA penalties for serious incidents can be substantial, and these fines are only part of the picture. The direct and indirect costs of an injury, including medical expenses, lost productivity, and potential legal fees, can significantly impact a business's bottom line.

An anticipatory safety culture—supported by the right tools and training—can lessen the risk of these outcomes and protect your people, reputation, and bottom line.

The top 4 avoidable injuries in motor vehicle and parts dealers

Here are four of the most common—and most avoidable—injury types in the motor vehicle and parts dealers industry. For each, we’ll look at a real-world scenario, root causes, and how video AI can help.

1. Struck-by and caught-in/between incidents

Scenario: During a busy shift change, a delivery cart is moving through the service area as a technician crosses an active drive lane. The technician is struck and suffers a severe leg injury.

How video AI helps: Video AI can detect when people enter restricted zones and provide real-time alerts. Footage enables root cause analysis to help mitigate repeat occurrences.

2. Vehicle movement hazards (collisions & pinning)

Scenario: A technician is working behind a parked car in a narrow bay. Another employee, unaware, reverses a vehicle from an adjacent stall, pinning the technician's leg.

How video AI helps: AI cameras monitor vehicle movement, detect unauthorized pedestrian crossings, and alert supervisors when a person or vehicle enters a hazardous zone, helping to lower the risk of collisions. Reviewing incidents refines workflow and training.

3. Lacerations and punctures

Scenario: A parts worker stocks a shelf with brake components. Rushing, he removes cut-resistant gloves to handle small fasteners and slices his hand on a sharp edge.

How video AI helps: Video AI can flag PPE non-compliance, providing opportunities for on-the-spot coaching and documenting incidents for targeted retraining.

4. Improper lifting and overexertion

Scenario: A tech manually lifts a 60-pound tire instead of using the wheel lift. Bending awkwardly, he strains his back and is out for several weeks.

How video AI helps: Video AI can identify improper lifting techniques and other risky behaviors, providing clear video evidence for preemptive ergonomic guidance and risk reduction.

How technology supports injury mitigation

For each major hazard, Video AI offers practical solutions:

• Struck-By and Caught-In/Between: Defines danger zones, warns when breached, and reinforces safe practices with behavior-based coaching.
• Vehicle Hazards: Tracks movement, issues real-time alerts when vehicles or people enter restricted areas, and monitor user-defined high-risk zones.
• Lacerations/Punctures: Flags PPE lapses, reviews incidents for coaching, and boosts compliance.
• Improper Lifting: Identifies risky lifting behaviors to enable proactive ergonomic instruction and training.

Practical implementation of safety technology

• Integrate with your existing cameras and workflows.
• Support your specific safety goals, targeting high-risk zones.
• Enhance—not replace—training using video-driven examples.
• Promote transparency and involve your team in deployment.
• Choose flexible, intuitive solutions that scale with your business.

Take the next step for a safer dealership

See how Spot AI can help your team curb workplace injuries and strengthen safety culture.

Discover how video AI empowers your people with real-time insights and anticipatory alerts. Explore how video AI manages vehicle traffic and PPE compliance, or book a demo to see Spot AI in action.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common safety challenges for motor vehicle and parts dealers

The most common safety risks include vehicle and pedestrian movement in tight spaces, PPE compliance, and safe lifting practices. Each of these can lead to serious injuries but are often avoidable with the right controls and visibility.

How does AI-powered video help reduce workplace injuries

Video AI provides rapid detection of hazards like unauthorized entry into restricted zones and PPE lapses. By alerting staff in real time and providing visual context for incidents, these systems help teams catch small problems before they become big ones.

What’s the best way to implement safety technology in an existing dealership

Start by identifying your facility’s highest-risk areas. Use existing camera systems where possible. Engage frontline workers in the process so they understand the system is there for their protection. Prioritize easy-to-use platforms that deliver clear, actionable alerts and insights.

Will video analytics help with OSHA or industry compliance

Yes—video AI can support compliance by documenting adherence to safety protocols, providing evidence of training and incident response, and helping identify gaps. This makes it easier to address issues preemptively, lower the risk of citations, and demonstrate due diligence during inspections.

How to ensure new safety technology is accepted by my team

Transparency and collaboration are key. Explain that the system is a tool for reducing injuries and supporting worker wellbeing. Involve employees in setup, review data together, and celebrate safety wins achieved with the help of new tools.

Can Spot AI integrate with existing security cameras

Yes—Spot AI is designed to work with most standard camera systems, adding AI capabilities without requiring a complete overhaul. This makes adoption faster and more cost-effective for dealerships and parts retailers.

What makes a video analytics system effective for workplace safety?

The most effective systems provide real-time, actionable insights, not just recordings. Look for a platform that can be customized for your specific risks, like monitoring restricted zones or PPE compliance. Key features include timely alerts, easy integration with current cameras, and an intuitive interface for coaching.

About the author

Joshua Foster is an IT Systems Engineer at Spot AI, where he focuses on designing and securing scalable enterprise networks, managing cloud-integrated infrastructure, and automating system workflows to enhance operational efficiency. He is passionate about cross-functional collaboration and takes pride in delivering robust technical solutions that empower both the Spot AI team and its customers.