Every year, thousands of workers in the motor vehicle and parts dealers industry are seriously injured on the job—often in ways that could have been prevented. With over 1.7 million people working in this sector and an annual injury rate of 8.3 recordable incidents per 100 full-time workers, the risks are real and persistent (Source: BLS Table B-6a, June 2025). The top five causes—slips and falls, struck-by and caught-in incidents, vehicle collisions, lacerations, and poor lifting practices—account for the vast majority of injuries, many of which result in lengthy recoveries or permanent disability (Source: Travelers Injury Impact Report, 2025).

But here’s the good news: Most of these injuries are preventable. A comprehensive safety approach—rooted in proven protocols and empowered by modern technology like AI-powered video analytics—can dramatically reduce risk and keep technicians, sales staff, and customers safe.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 injuries that can occur in motor vehicle and parts dealers facilities—and, most importantly, how to prevent them.

The Cost of Safety Negligence in Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers

Safety lapses don’t just harm people—they can carry a heavy price tag. In recent years, the median OSHA penalty for serious incidents in this sector was $5,839, with the maximum reaching $87,947 and the average at $10,143 per case. These fines come on top of the direct and indirect costs of injuries, which can top $100,000 per incident (Source: National Safety Council via IEN, 2025).

A proactive safety culture—supported by the right tools and training—can prevent these tragedies and protect your people, reputation, and bottom line.

The Top 5 Preventable Injuries in Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers

Let's dig into the five most common—and most preventable—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 intelligence can help.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Scenario: A technician hurries to finish a repair before the lunch rush. Hydraulic fluid has pooled near the service bay entrance. The technician slips, falls hard, and fractures a wrist—resulting in an 80-day recovery.

How video intelligence helps: AI-powered video systems automatically detect spills or obstructions, alerting staff in real time. Video reviews highlight recurring problem areas and housekeeping lapses, making it easier to reinforce safe habits and hold teams accountable.

2. 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 intelligence helps: Video analytics can detect when people enter restricted zones, flag unsafe proximity between staff and moving vehicles, and provide instant alerts. Footage enables root cause analysis to prevent repeat occurrences.

3. 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 intelligence helps: AI cameras monitor vehicle movement, detect unauthorized pedestrian crossings, and alert drivers or supervisors to potential collisions. Reviewing near-misses helps refine workflow and training.

4. 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 intelligence helps: Video systems can monitor compliance with PPE protocols, spot improper storage, and document incidents for targeted retraining.

5. 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 intelligence helps: AI cameras can flag when mechanical assists aren’t used and provide feedback for ergonomic coaching and prevention.

How Technology Strengthens Injury Prevention

For each major hazard, AI-powered video intelligence offers practical solutions:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Detects spills/clutter instantly, triggers alerts, and enables root-cause analysis.

• 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 collision warnings, and identifies high-risk zones.

• Lacerations/Punctures: Flags PPE lapses, reviews incidents for coaching, and boosts compliance.

• Improper Lifting: Monitors risky behaviors and supports ergonomic 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 insights.

• 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

Ready to cut preventable injuries, boost compliance, and create a culture of safety your team can be proud of?

Modern safety isn’t about more rules or more paperwork—it’s about empowering your people with the right tools and real-time information. Whether you’re concerned about slips in the service bay, vehicle traffic in the lot, or making sure PPE is actually used where it matters, Spot AI is here to help. Let’s work together to build a proactive safety approach that keeps your team safe and your business running strong. Book a consultation today and see what’s possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The most common challenges include preventing slips and falls, managing vehicle and pedestrian movement in tight spaces, enforcing PPE compliance, and ensuring safe lifting practices. Each of these risks can lead to serious injuries but are highly preventable with the right controls and visibility.

How does AI-powered video help reduce workplace injuries?

AI video analytics provide real-time detection of hazards like spills, unauthorized entry into restricted zones, and unsafe lifting or PPE lapses. By alerting staff instantly 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 intelligence can support compliance by documenting adherence to safety protocols, providing evidence of training and incident response, and helping identify gaps in real time. This makes it easier to address issues proactively, avoid citations, and demonstrate due diligence during inspections.

How can I ensure new safety technology is accepted by my team?

Transparency and collaboration are key. Explain that the system is focused on preventing injuries and supporting worker wellbeing, not just “catching mistakes.” Involve employees in setup, review data together, and celebrate safety wins achieved with the help of new tools.

Can Spot AI integrate with our existing security cameras?

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

About the Author

Joshua Foster
‍IT Systems Engineer, Spot AI

‍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.