Tips for an effective dealership safety training program

Traffic in the service drive continues to grow to pre-pandemic levels and above as more consumers are bringing their vehicles in for repair and warranty work. In addition, some dealership fixed ops departments are struggling with staffing issues, from technicians to porters.

Despite the hectic pace, Glorianna Corman, senior risk management consultant at KPA, an environmental, health, safety and work force compliance software and services provider, said now is the right time for dealerships to evaluate their safety training program. Corman says the White House wants to double the number of Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors by 2024. That means the value of an effective training program rises because OSHA-compliant dealerships likely will experience far fewer citations — and penalties and fines — than those that are not.

Corman, 41, spoke with News Editor Dan Shine about how a safety training program protects a dealership's employees and bottom line. Here are edited excerpts.

Q: What's an important first step a dealership should take in regard to a safety training program?

A: Communicate the importance of workplace safety beyond safety and compliance training being mandated by OSHA. There are occupational hazards inherent to working in a dealership, but by providing training and emphasizing its importance aloud and in written communications, you can let your employees know their safety matters to you. In the 2020 EHS Benchmark Report, high performers (companies with lower injury rates, absentee rates and safety violations than the industry standard) indicated safety training programs were a high priority in their organization. Translation: Safety training programs work when they're a priority. Broadcast their importance through conversation, email or even signage that details safety tips in the shop. No action is too small when fostering a culture of safety.

Where should a dealership start when determining its training needs?

You need to regularly examine all equipment and possible hazards at your dealership. This will help you determine what training needs to change or stay the same. After establishing what hazards and equipment are present in your dealership, provide training on them. Regularly examining your workplace ensures that any training you do provide is up to date and applicable.

What's a good way for dealerships to prepare for an official safety inspection?

Performing your own inspections prepares your workers for official inspections and shows lead technicians what needs to change. This promotes a culture of safety. Workers must be diligent in their safety efforts to pass these inspections.

After these independent inspections, document any and all findings. See if there are trends. For example, if you find bottles are frequently being mislabeled in your inspections, mention this to your team. Provide additional training, if needed. Use these inspections as a trial run so, when an OSHA inspector visits your dealership, your team will be ready.

After an inspection, what can a dealership do to continue its focus on safety?

Create an open forum to discuss safety methods at your dealership to increase transparency. While you should be regularly inspecting the space, as a leader, you are not always able to be in the shop. Safety meetings give your workers the opportunity to discuss any hazards you may not have noticed.

Taking time out of the workday to address safety concerns additionally communicates their seriousness and builds workplace accountability. More awareness can lead to fewer safety concerns or OSHA violations.

You also mentioned including safety numbers in the dealership's quarterly or annual report. How does this help?

This may seem simple, but by presenting safety numbers alongside sales and service numbers, you communicate organizationally that these three figures are equally important to your dealership's success. You don't establish a culture of safety at your dealership in one day with one sweeping plan. By integrating small actions, like including safety metrics on quarterly reports, you are tangibly impacting the workplace culture on an ongoing basis.

Any final thoughts?

During the pandemic, many dealerships have focused simply on keeping their doors open and keeping cars in the lot. Fortunately, with auto sales and service bouncing back, this focus can extend to implementing regular safety training for workers. An effective training program is an investment you make into your business. It keeps staff safe and can limit costs associated with safety violations or equipment damage. By investing in a safety training program, you are investing in the safety of your workers and your dealership.