OSHA Cites Southern Tire Mart After Fatal Injury in Texas
OSHA's news release said its inspectors determined that Southern Tire Mart exposed employees to struck-by, tire explosion, fire, and smoke hazards and failed to provide a restraining device or barrier and to implement lockout/tagout procedures as required.
OSHA announced that it has cited Southern Tire Mart LLC, which is based in Columbia, Miss., and proposed $341,195 in fines against the company for failing to protect employees from serious safety hazards. The agency investigated after a worker suffered fatal injuries while attempting to mount a monster truck tire rim at the company's retreading facility in Fort Worth, Texas.
OSHA's news release said its inspectors determined that Southern Tire Mart exposed employees to struck-by, tire explosion, fire, and smoke hazards and failed to provide a restraining device or barrier and to implement lockout/tagout procedures as required. OSHA cited Southern Tire Mart for 17 violations, two of which are covered under OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Amputations.
"Tragedies like this can be prevented when employers follow required procedures for servicing and repairing trucks," said OSHA Fort Worth Area Director Timothy Minor. "Employers must ensure that workers are trained and can demonstrate and maintain the ability to service rim wheels safely."
OSHA offers an online compliance assistance guide on servicing multi-piece and single-piece rim wheels.