U.S. Department of Labor Cites Lynnway Auto Auction For Exposing Employees to Numerous Hazards

BOSTON, MA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Lynnway Auto Auction Inc. for electrical, struck-by, and other hazards at its auto auction facility in Billerica.

On May 3, 2017, OSHA inspected the facility after five people were struck by a sport utility vehicle and died as a result of their injuries. The agency issued 16 citations to the company for motor vehicle hazards, blocked exit routes, violations of the hazard communication standard, and recordkeeping deficiencies. Lynnway faces proposed penalties totaling $267,081.

“This company was cited in 2014 for exposing employees to similar hazards,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Galen Blanton, in Boston. “It is critically important that employers remain vigilant about safety and implement required safety measures.”

OSHA also conducted a joint employer inspection, and determined that temporary workers from TrueBlue Inc. – doing business as PeopleReady – were also exposed to struck-by hazards. The agency cited the Dover, New Hampshire, staffing firm for one serious violation for a struck-by hazard, and proposed a penalty totaling $12,675.

View the citations for Lynnway Auto Auction Inc. and TrueBlue Inc. dba PeopleReady.

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of their 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.

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 www.osha.gov.