OSHA Says Employee's Death at Auto Parts Business was Preventable
The agency has asked the Bellingham-based company to provide multi-piece tires and rimes training
OSHA has determined an employee’s fatal head injuries were the result of a used auto parts business’ failure to follow required workplace safety standards, according to a report.
The John’s Used Auto and Parts LLC employee was struck in the head by a chain “come-a-long” device as he attempted to inflate and mount a multi-piece rim wheel on a vehicle. He died two weeks later from his injuries. The agency determined the company failed to provide adequate training and safeguards to protect employees while they serviced the wheels.
"This employee's death was preventable. Servicing rim wheels such as these is dangerous, exposing employees to struck-by and other hazards. An employer must train workers properly and equip them to do this kind of work safely before they start the job. I urge all employers performing this type of work to review their operations and take the required corrective action, so no other workers are killed," said James Mulligan, OSHA's area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.