The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) recently cited Elizabeth, N.J.-based New England Motor Freight Inc. for 17 violations after an employee sustained a foot injury while operating a forklift at the company’s Pawtucket, R.I., freight terminal. The company faces a total of $76,000 in fines for violations at several terminals.
OSHA found several instances where forklifts were operated incorrectly, resulting in collisions and an injury. Employees were not wearing attached seatbelts while operating forklifts and forklift operators did not receive required refresher training. The inspection also found that defective forklifts were not removed from service and no assessment had been made to determine the personal protective equipment needed for forklift operators who changed liquefied petroleum gas tanks.
OSHA previously had cited New England Motor Freight for similar hazards at terminals in Meriden, Conn., and South Plainfield, N.J., and has issued citations for inadequate and incomplete recording of on-the-job injuries and illnesses.
More information is available on OSHA’s website.
