The US Department of Labor has proposed penalties against two employers following separate Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigations involving hazardous machinery and energy control.
The cases involve car wash operator ModWash LLC in New Jersey and pipeline installation contractor T & T Pipeline Co. Inc. in Florida.
Car wash faces $446,864 penalties
OSHA has cited ModWash LLC and proposed $446,864 in penalties after finding workers were exposed to hazardous energy and excessive noise.
The agency found employees conducting maintenance were exposed to hazardous energy because equipment was not locked out and appropriate energy control procedures were not used.
OSHA issued a wilful citation and two repeat violations relating to lockout procedures, instructions for controlling energy sources and employee training.
Five serious violations were also issued covering noise monitoring, employee audiograms, training for workers exposed to noise above 85 decibels and the provision and use of lockout devices.
ModWash operates multiple locations nationally, including five in Sicklerville, New Jersey.
Worker fatally struck
In a separate case, OSHA has proposed $165,514 in penalties against Orlando based T & T Pipeline following a fatal incident in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
On 17 March 2026, employees were replacing a drill bit on a horizontal drilling machine when the pipe stem began rotating and fatally struck a worker.
OSHA issued a wilful violation after finding employees had been exposed to struck by hazards while working on a horizontal directional drilling machine.
Employers can contest citations
Both employers have 15 business days from receipt of their respective citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The proposed penalties and citations remain subject to the OSHA review and contest process.
