New Jersey Car Wash Faces $446,864 OSHA Fine for Safety Violations -- Occupational Health & Safety

A technician attaching a lockout/tagout red safety pad and "Danger Do Not Operate" tag to an electrical panel in an automated car wash bay.

New Jersey Car Wash Faces $446,864 OSHA Fine for Safety Violations

ModWash received one willful, two repeat and five serious citations involving lockout/tagout failures and employee noise exposure.

By Danielle Naidu
Sep 25, 2026

Workers at a ModWash car wash in Sicklerville, New Jersey, were exposed to uncontrolled hazardous energy and excessive noise, OSHA found.

The agency proposed $446,864 in penalties and issued one willful, two repeat and five serious citations following an inspection.

The willful citation alleges employees serviced equipment without first locking out hazardous energy or following energy-control procedures. OSHA also cited ModWash for inadequate written lockout procedures and failure to train employees on lockout/tagout requirements.

The serious violations involved deficiencies in the company's hearing-conservation program, including a lack of noise monitoring, baseline hearing tests and training for employees exposed above 85 decibels. OSHA also alleged that the company failed to provide lockout/tagout devices and ensure they were attached before equipment servicing.

ModWash has 15 business days after receiving the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The citations and penalties are proposed.

About the Author

Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.

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