Region 5 News Release: 10-421-CHI
April 14, 2010
Contact: Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
E-mail: allen.scott@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $61,500 in penalties against Fleetpride Inc. for safety violations

WILLOWBROOK, Ill. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Fleetpride Inc. in Willowbrook with $61,500 in proposed penalties for alleged serious and repeat violations of federal workplace safety standards.

As a result of a February inspection, OSHA has cited the company with three alleged serious violations for damaged, inoperable emergency lighting; exit signs not illuminated; and a damaged fall protection lanyard not taken out of service. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.

Fleetpride Inc. also received four repeat violations alleging improper personal protective equipment, no hazard assessment certification, no personal protective equipment training certification and no cover on an electrical box. A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously was cited for the same or a similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facilities in federal enforcement states within the last three years.

"These types of violations show the disregard the company has for the safety and welfare of its employees," said OSHA Area Director Kathy Webb in North Aurora, Ill. "Those who ignore safe practices and OSHA regulations are inviting tragedy into the lives of their workers."

Fleetpride Inc. is a nationwide truck parts distributer with its corporate headquarters located in Woodlands, Texas.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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