Auto parts company, DOL settle over safety violations

An auto recycling and used parts supplier has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor over claims that the company engaged in numerous workplace safety violations.

Camden, New Jersey-based The Auto Store LLC, operating as My Auto Store, has agreed to pay $868,628 in penalties to resolve a safety citation that included 35 “willful,” “repeat,” and “serious” violations.

The citation and penalties stemmed from a U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection that uncovered numerous failures to protect workers from fall, machine, noise, electrical and other hazards.

The settlement requires The Auto Store to implement a “comprehensive corporate Safety and Health Management System,” which includes safety facility audits by a third-party consultant, safety training programs and additional steps that will protect workers from “fear or retaliation” if engaged in safety committee work to improve the job site, the DOL said.