Warehouse workers face 'electrical nightmare' in NJ
Tangled extension cords, overloaded power outlets in wet locations, blocked exits, faulty forklifts, machines without safety guards and damaged floors were all in a hazardous day at work for employees at Xpedited Services LLC's warehouse in Jersey City, OSHA investigators found. After the August 14, 2014, inspection, the Jersey City-based trucking company received 14 serious citations with $63,000 in associated fines for permitting dangerous electrocution, fire and other hazardous risks to exist.
"Xpedited Services created an electrical nightmare for its workers, exposing warehouse employees to electrocution hazards and significant fire risk. It was unacceptable that the company failed to comply with long-standing federal electrical safety standards and local building codes," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office.