The U.S. Labor Department has proposed $446,864 in penalties against ModWash LLC, saying it willfully exposed workers at its Sicklerville car washes to hazardous energy by failing to lock out equipment during maintenance. OSHA also cited noise-related violations.
OSHA issued two repeat violations over unclear lockout procedures, inadequate instructions for controlling all energy sources and failure to train employees in lockout/tagout. It also cited five serious noise violations, including no monitoring program, no baseline hearing tests within six months of exposure, and no training for workers exposed to noise above 85 decibels. The agency said ModWash also failed to provide lockout devices or attach them to machines before servicing.
ModWash has 15 business days from receiving the citations and penalties to comply with the requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
