Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Coca-Cola distribution warehouse in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, cited for repeat and serious safety and health workplace violations. OSHA fines Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. more than $61K



Dec. 15, 2015

Coca-Cola distribution warehouse in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, cited
for repeat and serious safety and health workplace violations. 


OSHA fines Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. more than $61K

Employer name: Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc.'s distribution warehouse is located at 60 Deans Rhode Hall Road in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey.

Citations issued: On Dec. 11, 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations for four repeat and two serious safety and health violations.

Investigation findings: OSHA inspectors cited repeat violations for hazards associated with obstructed exit routes, lack of illuminated emergency exit signs, unmarked exits, and improper storage of compressed gas cylinders.

The serious violations were related to unguarded floor holes and lack of refresher training related to forklifts.

Proposed penalties: $61,600

Quote: "Blocked exit routes and unmarked exits pose a serious danger to Coca-Cola's warehouse employees, as they prevent quick escape in case of an emergency," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Office. "Employers have a legal obligation to ensure workers have a safe and healthy workplace, and will be held accountable when they fail to do so."

View the citations: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Coca-ColaRefreshmentsUSAInc_1070964.pdf*

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. manufactures and distributes Coca-Cola brand products such as, but not limited to, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Coke, Sprite, and Nestea at facilities throughout the United States.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Avenel Area Office at 732-750-3270.