Monro New Hampshire Muffler Shop Fined $221K for Willful and Repeated Violations

CONCORD — A Monro Muffler Brake Inc. facility in Portsmouth has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for alleged willful, repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards.

The automotive repair, maintenance and tire company faces proposed fines of $221,100 following an inspection by OSHA's Concord Office, begun in November 2012, as the result of a complaint.

"Willful and recurring violations suggest a disturbing pattern of noncompliance with safety standards that exist to protect the lives and well-being of a company's employees," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director for New Hampshire. "Monro Muffler Brake must correct these hazards and take effective steps to address recurring hazards at all its workplaces."

The willful citation stems from workers who were exposed to potential electric shock from exposed, energized wires in a restroom. OSHA found that the company did not correct the hazard after knowing of its existence from in-house safety inspections. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health. The proposed penalty for the willful violation is $60,500.

Five repeat citations were issued for defective work ladders, unsecured oxygen and acetylene cylinders, and inadequate eyewashing facilities for workers. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar hazards have been cited since 2009 at facility locations in Newington, Conn.; Canton, Rochester and Victor, N.Y.; and Middleburg Heights, Ohio. The proposed penalties for the repeat violations are $143,000.

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