Because Reynolds Nationwide did not test the atmosphere and properly ventilate the air in food transport tankers before allowing workers to enter, those workers risked potentially lethal suffocation caused by dangerous fumes, according to OSHA, which has levied $179,000 in fines against the company.
Acting on an employee complaint, OSHA initiated an investigation on Aug. 6, 2014, at the company’s London, Ohio tank-cleaning facility. The agency issued two willful and six serious safety violations involving permit-required confined spaces and fall hazards.