OSHA Identifies Waste Management Companies Exposed Workers to Multiple Safety Violations
Whitewater, Wisconsin-based John’s Disposal Service Inc. and John’s Recycling Inc. were fined $367,401 in proposed penalties.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 24, 2024
Federal investigators found that John’s Disposal Service Inc. and John’s Recycling Inc. in Franksville, Wisconsin, failed to follow crucial safety standards, leading to severe injuries for a temporary maintenance worker in January 2024. As a result, OSHA has proposed $367,401 in penalties for 13 violations.
According to a recent release, the incident occurred when the worker's jacket sleeve was caught in an engine while servicing a vehicle. OSHA inspectors determined that the companies did not have proper energy control procedures in place, which would have prevented the machinery from causing harm.
“A worker suffered severe injuries because their employer failed to implement an effective safety and health program and develop specific energy control procedures to protect workers conducting repairs on vehicles,” OSHA Area Director Dustin Schnipke in Milwaukee said in a statement. “Employers are responsible for training their workers and taking all necessary precautions to protect them from known hazards.”
During the January investigation, OSHA conducted two follow-up inspections to ensure the company had addressed previous hazards cited in 2023. The inspections revealed continued non-compliance, leading to citations for two serious violations tied to energy control procedures.
The companies also received citations for not providing fall protection on elevated platforms, failing to train forklift operators and neglecting hazard communication training. Additionally, the investigation found the absence of a hearing conservation program and inadequate machine guards to protect employees from moving parts.
Overall, OSHA cited John’s Disposal and John’s Recycling for five repeat violations, five serious violations and three other-than-serious violations. The companies, operating as a single entity, have 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.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.