By Lauren Bailey
VP of State Legal & Regulatory Affairs
When we talk about summer safety hazards in the dealership, most people think of heat injuries and illnesses. But there’s another major risk that shows up with rising temperatures and it’s one that can cause serious injuries or trigger OSHA violations:
Slips, trips, and falls.
As traffic picks up and vehicles roll in with dripping AC condensate, wet tires, and leaky systems, your dealership becomes a prime zone for slick surfaces and hidden hazards. Add in water tracked in during summer storms or runoff from detail bays, and you’ve got a liability waiting to happen.
Where Summer Slip Hazards Lurk
Even the most safety conscious stores often miss:
- Condensation puddles from overhead HVAC or detailing equipment
- Fluid drips near oil change lanes and reconditioning areas
- Rainwater dragged in by tires, techs, or customers
- Bunched, curled, or low-grip floor mats
What OSHA Expects
Under OSHA’s workplace safety standards, dealerships are required to maintain safe walking surfaces and address recognized hazards. For slip prevention, that means:
- Regular safety walkthroughs
- Anti-slip floor mats or coatings
- Prompt cleanup of spills or tracked-in water
- Posted wet floor signs
A Top OSHA Violation—And a Preventable One
Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common safety risks in dealership operations. In fact, according to OSHA and dealership industry data, these incidents consistently rank among the top 10 most cited violations for auto dealers. What makes these violations so frustrating is that they’re usually entirely preventable. OSHA isn’t citing dealers because someone slipped, they’re citing them because the conditions that led to the slip were obvious, recurring, or ignored. Pooled water, missing mats, worn flooring, and absent signage are all red flags during an inspection, particularly if the dealership can’t demonstrate basic preventive efforts.
Beyond the regulatory risk, slip-and-fall incidents often lead to workers’ compensation claims. Even one incident can lead to thousands of dollars in costs and temporary staff shortages. That’s why it’s critical for dealerships to treat this not as a minor housekeeping issue, but as a core component of workplace safety.
How ComplyAuto Can Help
ComplyAuto makes it easier for dealerships to stay on top of safety obligations, without overcomplicating the process. While preventing slips and falls starts on the shop floor, it also depends on training and clear internal communication. By giving dealership staff the tools to train smarter and stay organized, ComplyAuto helps dealerships build a stronger safety culture and be better prepared when regulators come calling. Contact ComplyAuto today.