The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited ModWash LLC, an express car wash service with multiple locations nationwide, for willfully exposing workers to safety hazards and proposed $446,864 in penalties.
The agency found that ModWash willfully exposed workers to hazardous energy by failing to lock out equipment before maintenance activities and failing to use proper energy control procedures. The company also failed to establish lockout procedures, provide workers with specific instructions for controlling energy sources, and train employees on equipment lockout and tagout processes.
OSHA also cited ModWash for five serious violations related to noise safety. The agency said the company failed to develop a noise monitoring program, establish baseline hearing tests for employees within six months of noise exposure, train workers exposed to noise above 85 decibels, and provide and attach lockout/tagout devices to machines before servicing.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings.