OSHA cites Central Transport for forklift, fall hazards

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Central Transport LLC has been cited for five, including three repeat, one willful and one serious safety violation, at its trucking terminal in Rock Island following a formal complaint. 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.

"Yearly, thousands of workers are injured while operating powered industrial vehicles, better known as forklifts. Maintenance for these vehicles, which are used daily, is vital to employee safety," said Thomas Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria. "Central Transport has a responsibility to ensure that all equipment used in its facilities is safe and that employees are protected during work activities."

OSHA opened the inspection under the Local Emphasis Program for Powered Industrial Vehicles. The program was implemented to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by these vehicles, which have been the source of 105 occupational fatalities during fiscal years 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.

Three repeat violations were issued, including failure to provide adequate fall protection at dock door openings because 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. 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.

To view the citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/central-transportation9-10-14.pdf

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

Central Transport LLC 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 before the independent Occupational Safety and 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 the agency's Peoria Office at 309-589-7033.

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.