South Brunswick Coca-Cola Warehouse Fined For Unsafe Conditions

South Brunswick, NJ - Industrial parks and distribution plants are common in South Brunswick Township. But this Coca-Cola warehouse was hardly a refreshing place to work.

A Coca-Cola distribution warehouse off Deans Rhode Hall Road in Monmouth Junction was fined more than $61,000 Tuesday for serious and repeat work safety violations, including holes in the floor, blocked exit routes and improperly storing compressed gas cylinders, which can be highly flammable and explosive.

Someone anonymously complained about conditions in the warehouse, prompting inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to inspect it, an OSHA spokeswoman told Patch.

“Blocked exit routes and unmarked exits pose a serious danger to Coca-Cola’s warehouse employees, as they prevent quick escape in case of an emergency,” said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA’s Avenel Office. “Employers have a legal obligation to ensure workers have a safe and healthy workplace, and will be held accountable when they fail to do so.”

The warehouse, located at 60 Deans Rhode Hall Road, was inspected multiple times by OSHA, who found hazards such as obstructed exit routes, lack of illuminated emergency exit signs, unmarked exits, and improper storage of compressed gas cylinders.

The most serious violations included unguarded floor holes, OSHA said. The warehouse also failed to provide its employees refresher training on how to operate the forklifts.

OSHA imposed a $61,600 fine. Fanta, Coke, Sprite, and Nestea bottles were distributed at the facility.

Stock image.