Two Colorado Pep Boys auto centers cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for serious and repeat safety violations

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Two Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack of Delaware Inc. work sites in Aurora and Lone Tree were cited for two repeat and one serious violation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to abate previously cited violations and continuing to expose workers to hazards from dangerous equipment. OSHA began its inspection of the automotive service centers in December 2013 after receiving a worker complaint. Proposed penalties total $58,300.

"Pep Boys continues to expose its workers to safety hazards while working under elevated vehicles by failing to provide safety locks and blocking. This negligence concerning worker safety is unacceptable and will not be tolerated," said David Nelson, OSHA's area director in Englewood.

One repeat violation, with a penalty of $27,500, was cited at the Aurora location on 12820 E. Mississippi Ave. for exposing workers to crushing hazards while working under elevated vehicles. Automotive lifts were not lowered onto the safety locks or supported by adequate stands to prevent the vehicle from falling in case the lift failed. 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. Similar violations were previously cited at one Lakewood and two Colorado Springs locations in July and August 2013, and most recently in February 2014.

Another repeat violation, with a penalty of $27,500, was cited at the Lone Tree location on 7469 Park Meadows Drive for exposing workers to crushing hazards by failing to provide lifts with operational safety locks or using adequate stands to support the vehicle. Additionally, a serious violation was cited, with a penalty of $3,300, for exposing workers to electrical shock hazards while working with a 220-volt cord and plug-powered equipment. 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.

Philadelphia-based Pep Boys operates about 740 stores with 7,000 service bays in 35 states. The company employs 20 workers at the two Colorado work sites and has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742), or for southern Colorado the agency's Englewood Area Office at 303-843-4500, and for northern Colorado the agency's Denver Area Office at 303-844-5285.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.