The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has again cited Central Transport LLC of Warren, Michigan, this time proposing penalties of USD330,800 for violations at a Billerica trucking terminal that has 18 employees.

In earlier actions in Illinois, the agency proposed penalties of USD145,000 in October for violations at a terminal in Hillside and penalties of USD108,020 in September for violations at a terminal in Rock Island.

"Several hazards were brought to management's attention, but the company took no corrective action," says Jeffrey Erskine, OSHA's acting deputy regional administrator for New England. "It's clear that Central Transport must systematically and effectively address and eliminate hazards at all its locations. The safety and well-being of its employees, now and in the future, depend on it."

Inspectors found that the Billerica building's roof leaked water onto a work floor where electrical cabinets, electrical disconnects and forklift battery chargers were located. Employees stood in water while plugging in battery chargers and drove forklifts in slippery conditions. These conditions exposed workers to possible electrocution, forklift tip-overs and slipping hazards.

A faulty loading dock ramp exposed forklift operators to potentially unstable conditions and load stability hazards. Structural defects caused a 3 in. (8 cm) drop in elevation from the building to the ramp.

OSHA determined that five Yale forklifts needed to be taken out of service until defects were remedied. By forklift, the flaws included no horn and one light out, corrosive lead acid leaking out at the top of the battery, a damaged rear tyre, inoperable lights and one light out.

Central Transport employs about 4,300 staff at 170 US locations.

OSHA is an agency of the US Department of Labor.