The Auto Store in New Jersey Pays $868K to Settle 35 Safety Violations

One of the East Coast’s largest auto recyclers and used parts suppliers has agreed to pay $868,000 in penalties related to 35 workplace safety violations at its Camden, New Jersey facility.

The agreement with The Auto Store, operating as My Auto Store, follows litigation prompted by an investigation by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the nationwide parts supplier.

OSHA inspectors said they found dozens of infractions, leading to two willful violations for failing to ensure employees could exit the workplace safely and four repeat violations for not protecting workers from machine operation hazards, inadequate machine lockout/tagout procedures and failure to control flammable liquids.

Among the 29 additional violations, OSHA identified insufficient protections from fall, electrical and noise hazards putting employees at risk.

In addition to paying $868,628 in penalties, The Auto Store has committed to enhancing its efforts to comply with federal safety regulations, including putting a comprehensive safety and health program in place to protect its employees. The program must include multiple safety audits of the facility by a third-party consultant; safety training programs based on the audit findings; and multiple avenues for workers to participate in safety efforts without fear of retaliation.

Based in Camden, The Auto Store purchases more than 7,000 cars and trucks each month for dismantling. Its inventory of more than 80,000 used parts are sold at its company location and its parts pickup locations in Baltimore and in Bayonne and Camden, New Jersey, and in Brooklyn, New York. The company also sells parts online for shipment to buyers nationwide.

Source: Department of Labor