OSHA: 'Serious' Violations In Worcester Worker's Death

[Omaha Steve]

http://wbjournal.com/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3845&Itemid=129

Written by Livia Gershon
Wednesday, 30 April 2008

After an investigation into the death of a worker last December in Worcester, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a citation saying Intransit Container Inc. committed six "serious" legal violations.

Spencer resident Paul Harding, a mechanic at the company's location on Wiser Ave., died after being hit with a tire and rim that exploded from a vehicle on Dec. 31. OSHA proposed a fine of $28,825 for violations including failing to train workers properly, not making sure that tires are deflated before wheels are removed from vehicles, not preventing employees from using a sledge hammer to correct the seating of a wheel rim and not keeping employees away from the area while multi-piece wheels were being handled.

The company can still contest the penalties or work with OSHA to reduce them. Stephen Cotrone, president of Intransit, said he could not comment on the incident or on whether the company will contest the citation.

Intransit, which has its corporate office in Mansfield, helps move imports and exports through the "Port of Worcester" by truck and train.

[catnhatnh]

1. Split RimTire Cage violation? N/T

[Omaha Steve]

2. Split rims were outlawed a long time ago (20 years or so, no time to look it up)

It is a two piece design bolted together. They can't make them anymore. Those that are still out there can be used forever. No end of life clause. They bring big bucks at truck junk yards.