Every year, OSHA publishes the most frequently cited standards across industries and the latest list for new car dealers is now available. If you’ve ever wondered where dealerships tend to get tripped up during inspections, this list is a pretty good roadmap.
The Top Citations for Dealerships
Here are the areas where dealerships saw the most OSHA citations in Fiscal Year 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024):
Hazard Communication:
Missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets, unlabeled containers, or employees not trained on chemical hazards.
Electrical Safety:
Exposed wiring, improper grounding, or unsafe use of extension cords.
Exit Routes:
Blocked or poorly marked exits, especially in parts storage and service areas.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Gaps in providing or enforcing the use of PPE such as gloves, goggles, or face shields.
Respiratory Protection:
Missing written programs, lack of fit testing, or improper respirator use in paint and body operations.
Powered Industrial Trucks:
Forklift training and maintenance shortfalls.
First Aid & Medical Services:
Insufficient first-aid supplies or lack of trained personnel.
General Duty Clause:
Catch-all citations for hazards that aren’t tied to a specific standard, like automotive lift safety, but still pose risks.
What This Tells Us
The list hasn’t changed much from year to year, which tells us two things:
- These issues are preventable. Dealers know about hazard communication, PPE, forklifts, and exit routes but gaps in training, recordkeeping, or daily discipline continue to show up during inspections.
- Small fixes go a long way. Clear exits, make sure your SDS library is up to date, and a refresher training session on PPE can eliminate many of these citations before OSHA ever steps foot in the store.
Why It Matters
Yes, OSHA penalties are climbing each year, and repeat or willful violations can get expensive quickly. But focusing only on fines misses the bigger picture.
Dealers who build a culture of safety do more than avoid citations, they create a workplace where employees feel protected, valued, and empowered to do their jobs well. When technicians and staff know that management takes their safety seriously, it builds trust and loyalty. That translates into lower turnover, stronger morale, and often higher productivity.
At the end of the day, OSHA compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about protecting the people who keep your dealership running. The most successful safety programs are the ones that go beyond checking boxes and embed safety into the daily culture of the store.
Steps You Can Take Now
- Review your Hazard Communication program: make sure SDSs are current and employees are trained.
- Walk your exit routes and electrical systems: are exits clear and cords in safe condition?
- Double-check respirator and PPE policies: is equipment available, used, and documented?
- Confirm first aid readiness: stocked kits, trained staff, and clear emergency contacts.
The Bottom Line
The 2024 OSHA citation list for dealerships is less a surprise than a reminder. These are known problem areas and they’re fixable with consistent attention. A little proactive effort now can keep your name off OSHA’s list later.
About ComplyAuto
ComplyAuto helps dealerships stay ahead of compliance risks with tools designed specifically for the retail automotive industry. From OSHA and workplace safety programs to data privacy, our platform makes it easier for dealers to stay inspection-ready, avoid costly fines, and protect both employees and customers.