OSHA Soaks Truck Wash in Fines for 14 Safety Violations
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 provide access to an emergency eyewash station.
OSHA has cited Eagle United Truck Wash LLC for 14 safety and health violations at its facility within the Flying J Truck Stop in Jackson, Ga. 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 provide access to an emergency eyewash station. 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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.