N.J. Auto Parts Seller Fined $1.2M for 33 Violations

CAMDEN, NJ – OSHA initiated an investigation of the auto parts shop after a vehicle lift crushed a worker’s hand in Camden, New Jersey. Following the investigation, the NJ auto parts seller faces $1.26 million in fines for thirty-three workplace safety and health violations. The company sells wholesale and retail parts salvaged from used vehicles through an assembly line process.

The Investigation and Citations

OSHA determined that the company failed to have proper safeguards to protect employees from an accidental machine startup. The agency also identified 33 workplace safety and health violations, including willful, repeat, and serious citations, as below:

• Willfully failed to develop and use lockout tagout and machine guarding procedures to prevent employees from being hit by the moving conveyor line.
• Failed to equip employees with personal protective equipment or provide fire extinguisher training.
• Willfully did not prevent fires, which frequently happened along the conveyor line when sparking tools ignited gasoline vapors.
• Exposed workers to electrical, noise, machine guarding, crushing, and flammable material hazards.
• Willfully failed to keep an emergency egress clear.
• Did not protect employees from being caught in automobile lifts.

According to OSHA Regional Administrator Richard Mendelson, “by disregarding required safety protections, My Auto Store contributed to a worker’s serious and life-altering injury. In fact, the company could have prevented the accident by complying with workplace safety standards and implementing safety programs,” he added.

However, the company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.

Key Takeaways

In summary, be sure proper Lockout Tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures are in place to safeguard workers from the release of hazardous energy. Additionally, routine safety training can prevent accidents and avoid fines, ensuring the highest level of workplace safety. This includes training workers in energy control and providing the skills required to safely apply, use, and remove energy control devices.

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Resources and Helpful Information on Lockout Tagout

• OSHA Lockout Tagout Fact Sheet
• OSHA’s general requirements for controlling hazardous energy during service or maintenance of machines or equipment.
• Machine Guarding