Kansas Truck Wash Company Faces Heavy Fines After Fatal Gas Exposure Incident
OSHA has proposed penalties of $171,680 to Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center LLC.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Mar 12, 2024
OSHA has cited Liberal, Kansas-based Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center LLC for multiple safety violations following an incident that resulted in the death of one worker and the hospitalization of two others.
According to a release dated March 7, the workers were exposed to harmful hydrogen sulfide gas while cleaning tanker trailers without proper safety measures in place. As a result of this investigation, Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center faces proposed penalties totaling $171,680 for two willful and 24 serious.
OSHA's investigation revealed that the company did not perform necessary atmospheric testing before allowing workers to enter the confined spaces of the trailers. Inspectors found Red Barn Truck Wash lacked adequate respiratory and hearing protection programs. The company also exposed workers to fall hazards of up to nine feet while they were cleaning the trailers.
“Wherever organic matter such as crops and other materials are stored, hydrogen sulfide may be present as a natural byproduct. Workers must never enter storage facilities, tankers or other confined spaces without doing atmospheric testing and wearing protective equipment such as respirators capable of preventing inhalation of this colorless and toxic gas,” OSHA Area Director Todd Underwood in Wichita, Kansas said in a statement. “Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center must implement procedures and training immediately to protect its employees from these preventable injuries.”
Red Barn Truck Wash & Service Center now has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the agency’s findings before an independent commission.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.