Take 5 Car Wash at an Ohio location “repeatedly ignored reports from employees who suffered electrical shocks for more than 14 months,” the Labor Department said.
The agency said it investigated a location in Beachwood, Ohio. Inspectors said staff encountered corroded electrical boxes with live wires, improper use of flexible cords and restrooms without properly grounded outlets. The Labor Department said workers are “exposed to electrical hazards daily when working near unshielded live parts of car wash equipment, resulting in the potential for electric shock.”
The Labor Department said inspectors found several energized electrical cabinets, and the boxes were not protected to prevent contact with live parts.
All told, the location was cited for 13 safety violations.
“Our investigation found that management at Tech 5 Car Wash was aware that electrical hazards existed throughout the facility, and that employees were repeatedly exposed to electrical shock, yet they continued to work under these conditions. Permission was granted to keep it and it took several weeks to repair it after a worker was electrocuted. ,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA area director in Cleveland. “It is troubling that a company with such vast resources would expose employees to potentially fatal risks of electrical shock.”
The Department of Labor issued a fine of more than $256,000 against the company.
Driven Brands Inc., parent company of Tech 5, is also the parent company of Meineke Car Care Center, Mako, and other auto service brands. Driven Brands operates approximately 5,000 stores across the US
The company is expected to generate $2.3 billion in revenue this year, generating earnings of more than $500 million, according to an August investor report.