Monro Muffler Brake Inc. operates a chain of more than 800 stores that provide automotive repair and tire services throughout the eastern United States. Monro has reached an enterprise-wide agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor where it will institute procedures to protect its workers against being crushed or struck by automotive hydraulic lifts.
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the Stoughton location for improperly inspecting and maintaining hydraulic lifts, following an incident where a lift failure caused a car to fall to the ground. Monro initially contested these citations, which had proposed fines of $19,000, but now has agreed to address the issue companywide.
OSHA’s regional administrator in Boston said, “That means safer working conditions for thousands of workers at hundreds of workplaces.”
Monro has agreed to develop and implement an inspection and maintenance program for all automotive lifts at all of its federal OSHA-covered work sites. Monro will comply with industry standards and include periodic inspections by qualified inspectors, procedures to remedy any potentially unsafe conditions, mandatory training for lift operators and the submission of written compliance reports to OSHA.
The Department’s regional solicitor said, “This settlement agreement replaces potentially lengthy and contentious litigation with a mutual respect for and commitment to worker safety.”
Pulgini & Norton, LLP attorneys have handled workers’ compensation claims for over 25 years in and around Boston and its surrounding areas. If you or a family member has been injured at work and would like to seek legal assistance, please contact us at (781) 843-2200 or (888) 344-2046 or email us.
Cited Sources:
Auto Repair Chain Reaches Agreement With Labor Department to Protect Workers Against Hydraulic Lift Hazards, WorkersCompensation.com, August 24, 2012