OSHA has cited Southern Tire Mart LLC – based in Columbia, Mississippi – for failing to protect employees from serious safety hazards after a worker suffered fatal injuries while attempting to mount a monster truck tire rim at the company’s retreading facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The company faces $341,195 in fines.

OSHA inspectors determined the company exposed employees to struck-by, tire explosion, fire, and smoke hazards, and failed to provide a restraining device or barrier, and implement lockout/tagout procedures, as required. OSHA cited the company for 17 violations, two of which are covered under the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations.

“Tragedies like this can be prevented when employers follow required procedures for servicing and repairing trucks,” said OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor, in Fort Worth, Texas. “Employers must ensure that workers are trained, and can demonstrate and maintain the ability to service rim wheels safely.”

OSHA offers compliance assistance resources on servicing multi-piece and single-piece rim wheels.