An agreement has been reached between the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and The Auto Store LLC, which operates as My Auto Store. By settling with the DOL, the auto recycler and used parts supplier has agreed to 35 workplace safety violations at its Camden facility and all corresponding penalties. A recent OSHA investigation resulted in two willful violations, four repeat violations, and 29 additional violations. The most serious violations involved failing to make sure employees could exit the workplace safely, inadequately protecting workers from machine operation hazards, and a lack of lockout/tagout procedures. For these citations, The Auto Store will have to pay $868,628 in penalties and work to comply with federal safety regulations. In addition, the company will have to implement a comprehensive corporate Safety and Health Management System.
In a recent quote, Regional Solicitor Jeffrey S. Rogoff said, “Our settlement with The Auto Store LLC shows again that the department's OSHA and its Office of the Solicitor will enforce safety standards vigorously to ensure that employers come into compliance and make meaningful safety improvements to protect their employees. The resolution we reached requires enhanced programs to protect workers from serious hazards and allows them to provide input and to participate in the company's safety programs.”