The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Rail Modal Group LLC after a truck struck and severely injured a yard manager directing traffic at a Fremont grain yard on Jan. 2, 2024. This incident came shortly after OSHA received reports of unsafe working conditions regarding struck-by vehicle hazards at the facility in November 2023.
In response to the investigation, OSHA identified 23 violations by Rail Modal Group, including a failure to protect workers from moving vehicles. The company was cited for 21 serious and two other-than-serious violations related to various safety measures, resulting in proposed penalties of $261,375.
According to OSHA Area Director Matt Thurlby, "Being struck by moving vehicles is one of the most deadly and common hazards on job sites. Employers must conduct risk assessments, implement engineering controls, and take all necessary precautions to protect workers from this danger."
Rail Modal Group, based in Latham, New York, specializes in supply-chain transportation solutions for protein and agricultural exports. The company has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties, request an informal conference, or contest the findings.
