OSHA Cites Dealership in Fatal Fire

OSHA inspectors determined the employees were using a flammable brake wash to scrub the service pit floor when the fire occurred. As a result, three employees died, a fourth was critically burned, and a fifth employee was treated for smoke inhalation and released.

  • Dec 14, 2017

OSHA announced it has cited and fined Carl Cannon Inc., an automobile dealership, after investigating a flash fire in June 2017 that killed three employees and critically injured a fourth worker at its Jasper, Ala., facility.

OSHA inspectors determined the employees were using a flammable brake wash to scrub the service pit floor when the fire occurred. As a result, three employees died, a fourth was critically burned, and a fifth employee was treated for smoke inhalation and released. The agency issued one willful and two serious safety citations for failing to implement all elements of a chemical hazard communication program, improper storage of flammable liquids, and allowing unapproved electrical receptacles and equipment to be used in a hazardous area. Proposed penalties totaled $152,099.

"Failure to effectively implement a hazard communication program has tragically resulted in the loss of lives and serious injuries," said OSHA Area Director Ramona Morris in Birmingham, Ala. "Employers must ensure employees are trained and aware of the hazards associated with handling flammable chemicals."

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