News Release
US Department of Labor settlement affirms 3 dozen workplace safety citations against Camden auto recycler, parts supplier; assesses $868K in penalties
CAMDEN, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor has reached a settlement agreement with one of the East Coast's largest auto recyclers and used parts suppliers affirming 35 citations issued for workplace safety violations at its Camden facility and assessing related penalties.
The agreement with The Auto Store LLC, operating as My Auto Store, follows litigation prompted by an investigation by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the nationwide parts supplier. OSHA inspectors found dozens of infractions, leading to affirmance of two willful violations for failing to ensure employees could exit the workplace safely and four repeat violations for not protecting workers from machine operation hazards, inadequate machine lockout/tagout procedures and failure to control flammable liquids.
Among the 29 additional violations, OSHA identified insufficient protections from fall, electrical and noise hazards putting employees at risk. The Auto Store will pay $868,628 in penalties and take action to enhance its efforts to comply with federal safety regulations, including putting a comprehensive safety and health program in place to protect its employees.
“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,” said Regional Solicitor Jeffrey S. Rogoff in New York. “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.”
The settlement requires The Auto Store to implement — consistent with OSHA's guidance — a comprehensive corporate Safety and Health Management System that includes the following:
- Multiple safety audits of the facility by a third-party consultant.
- Safety training programs based on the audit findings.
- Multiple avenues for workers to participate in safety efforts without fear of retaliation, including a Safety Management Committee that will review audit findings and evaluate the progress of the company's safety programs.
Based in Camden, The Auto Store LLC purchases more than 7,000 cars and trucks each month for dismantling. Its inventory of more than 80,000 used parts are sold at its company location and its parts pickup locations in Baltimore and in Bayonne and Camden, New Jersey, and in Brooklyn, New York. The company also sells parts online for shipment to buyers nationwide.
Trial Attorney Peter Kellett with the Office of the Solicitor in New York led the department's litigation of the case.
