US Department of Labor cites New Jersey car wash for willfully exposing workers to safety hazards, proposes more than $446K in fines

SICKLERVILLE, NJ - The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a New Jersey car wash service for willfully exposing workers to safety hazards related to hazardous energy and excessive noise levels, proposing $446,864 in penalties.

The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that ModWash LLC, an express car wash service operating multiple locations throughout the country, including five in Sicklerville, willfully exposed workers to hazardous energy by failing to lock out equipment prior to conducting maintenance activities and not using energy control procedures.

The agency also cited ModWash for two repeat violations for failing to have clear lockout procedures and specific instructions for controlling all energy sources and not training employees on equipment lockout/tagout processes.

In addition, the employer was cited for five serious violations for failing to develop and implement a noise monitoring program, establish a baseline audiogram for employees within six months of exposure, train employees exposed to noise above 85 decibels, provide lockout/tagout devices, and attach such devices to machines prior to servicing them.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Visit OSHA's website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.