Garda Armored Car fails to train drivers on fire extinguisher use

ST. LOUIS — Garda Armored Car failed to train its employees to use portable fire extinguishers, despite being cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for the same violation in March 2013. Responding to a complaint, OSHA inspected the armored car company on Oct. 20, 2014, and found that the business had not trained employees as instructed.

"Garda needs to follow through on its statements and provide OSHA with documentation that the company is training workers to use this lifesaving equipment," said Bill McDonald, OSHA's area director in St. Louis. "Ignoring OSHA citations demonstrates a blatant disregard for employee safety."

OSHA issued one failure-to-abate violation, with proposed penalties of $70,000. OSHA issues failure- to-abate citations when an employer fails to correct a violation during the period specified in the citation. Garda reported to OSHA that it had provided the training June 3, 2013.

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 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 St. Louis Area Office at 314-425-4249.

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.