VIRGINIA, Minnesota — Minnesota-based transportation company Wayne Transports Inc. must pay a $621,600 fine after a worker died in its tanker in March 2024, according to the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry found that Wayne Transports “failed to adequately protect its employees from the hazards of confined spaces,” which ultimately led to the death of one of its employees.

The results of the OSHA investigation showed that Wayne Transports committed a number of violations related to permit-required confined spaces. These included failing to identify and evaluate hazards prior to employee entry into the spaces, failing to implement means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe operations, failing to test conditions within the spaces prior to employee entry into the spaces, failing to provide at least one supervisor during entry into the spaces, and failing to develop and implement a system for preparing, issuing, using, and revoking entry permits for employee-performed entries.

“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 Labor Minister Nicole Blissenbach. “Before working in a confined space, employers must assess the elements of that space and ensure they have a comprehensive plan in place to protect their employees from potential hazards.”

In July 2024, Wayne Transports received an additional 10 citations for violations of general industry and confined space standards.

In addition to allegations of cramped conditions, Wayne Transports was also accused of not having safety data sheets for the chemicals contained in the tankers, which were not readily available to employees at their workplaces. In addition, the company failed to establish and manage a joint employee-employer safety committee, a press release said.

In response, Wayne Transports has filed a Notice of Appeal, which means that Wayne Transports and OSHA will meet within 20 calendar days of receiving the summons to negotiate a settlement.

The Department of Labor and Industry website states: “If an agreement is reached, a written settlement agreement will be prepared. Otherwise, a hearing will be scheduled before an administrative law judge.”