Georgia Truck Wash to Pay $57,600 in OSHA Fines

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)recently cited Eagle United Truck Wash LLC for 14 safety and health violations at its facility within the Flying J Truck Stop in Jackson, Georgia. Proposed penalties total $57,600 following a February inspection that was initiated based on a complaint.

Two repeat health violations, similar to violations cited in 2007, include failing to provide eye protection for workers using aluminum brightener and other corrosives, and providing access to an emergency eyewash station..[WCx]

One repeat safety violation, similar to a 2009 violation, is allowing workers to conduct maintenance on equipment containing electrical and water sources without an energy control program. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Seven serious safety violations involve exposing workers to slipping hazards from a ceiling leak in the chemical mixing room, tripping hazards from large holes in the truck wash bay grates, fall hazards from failing to provide guardrails for employees working at heights in excess of 13 feet, lacking proper machine guards on equipment, having a damaged electrical outlet box in the chemical room, using a flexible cord instead of permanent wiring and not having strain relief for an extension cord.

Two serious health violations include failing to identify permit-required confined spaces when employees clean the inside of tanks and provide hazard communication training to employees on exposure to corrosive chemicals. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

One other-than-serious safety violation is failing to cover low-voltage wiring for the switch control on the boiler and the wall heater, and one other-than-serious health violation is failing to develop a written respirator protection program. Neither violation carries any monetary penalties. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"The very same chemicals that do a great job cleaning metal can be dangerous to workers if used without the proper protections," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. .[WCx]

Eagle United Truck Wash has corporate offices in Greenwood Village, Colo., and 13 locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

See Georgia's Guide for state laws and regulations in our state by state WC guide in our Workers Comp Resource Center.

Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. Contact: [email protected].

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