Unsafe NJ Car Washes Fined $450K, Government Says

SICKLERVILLE, NJ — A nationwide car wash chain with five locations throughout Sicklerville was fined $446,864 for willingly putting the safety of its workers at risk, the United States Department of Labor said.

ModWash ("Modwash LLC") left workers' health in jeopardy by failing to lock out equipment before doing maintenance and not using energy control practices, according to the government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

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As a result, their proximity to hazardous energy was deemed a viable risk.

Modwash was also cited for two repeat offenses stemming from their lack of clear lockout procedures, not having specific plans for controlling energy sources, and not training employees on the lockout or tagout process.

Another five citations were added for failing to have a noise monitoring system, failing to outline a baseline audiogram for employees, failing to train employees exposed to noise above 85 decibels, failing to have lockout/tagout devices, and making sure those devices are attached to machines before maintenance.

Modwash has 15 business days from when they receive the citations and violation notices to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA, or appeal the findings to an independent review.

Patch has reached out to the team at ModWash for comment and is yet to hear back.

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