The trucking company Central Transport has been cited for five workplace violations by the Occupational Safety Health Administration at its trucking terminal in Rock Island, Illinois following a formal complaint.

An OSHA's inspection in March 2014 found repeat and willful violations that involved defective powered industrial vehicles and lack of fall protection. Proposed penalties total $108,020.

OSHA opened the inspection under a program that was implemented to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by these vehicles, which it said have been the source of 105 occupational fatalities from 2005 through 2013 in Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio.

OSHA issued one willful violation for failing to remove from service a forklift that needed repair. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health, according to the agency.

Three repeat violations were issued, including failure to provide adequate fall protection at dock door openings because it found guardrails were not in place, which exposed workers to falls of more than 4 feet. The company was cited for failure to inspect forklifts before use and for not grounding electrical equipment properly.

Similar violations were cited in 2009, 2010 and 2013 at locations in Georgia, Ohio and Mississippi. OSHA said a repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

One serious violation was issued for having an exit door locked from the inside. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known, according to the agency

Central Transport employs about 4,300 workers at 170 locations nationwide. The Rock Island terminal has about 20 employees.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings.

0 Comments