Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance has imposed a $621,600 penalty on Wayne Transports, Inc. for failing to comply with confined space safety requirements at its Virginia facility, following the fatal accident of a worker in a tanker in March 2024.
Virginia police have identified the worker as Justin Le Erickson.
“Work processes must be designed to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and workers must be adequately trained on how to perform their jobs safely,” said Nicole Blissenbach, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. “Before working in a confined space, employers must evaluate the elements of that space and ensure they have a comprehensive plan in place to protect their employees from potential hazards.”
MNOSHA’s Compliance Division has also issued citations to Wayne Transports for missing Safety Data Sheets for chemicals contained in its tanker trailers.
WDIO reached out to Wayne Transports for comment but did not receive a response as of 10:00 a.m. on August 29.
Wayne Transports has submitted a notice of competition.
