Katelyn Walker Mooney Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy | Official Website
Federal safety inspectors have cited Kumho Tire Georgia Inc. for multiple safety violations following a fatal incident involving a 57-year-old maintenance worker. The incident, which occurred on April 10, 2024, involved the unexpected start of machinery during maintenance.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an investigation and found that the company bypassed essential safety procedures designed to prevent accidental machine startups. Instead of using appropriate measures, Kumho Tire Georgia relied on basic on/off controls and sensors. This oversight resulted in one repeat violation, 12 serious violations, and two other-than-serious violations. The company also failed to train employees properly for safe servicing and maintenance tasks.
"Kumho Tire Georgia has repeatedly failed to protect its employees, and this time that negligence resulted in a preventable tragedy," stated OSHA Area Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta. He emphasized the prevalence of such incidents annually, noting there is no justification for risking employee safety.
Further examination revealed inadequate machine guarding at the facility, exposing workers to caught-in hazards. Missing guardrails and uncovered holes also presented fall risks to employees. Consequently, Kumho Tire Georgia faces penalties totaling $271,930.
Kumho Tire Georgia has a notable history of non-compliance with safety standards since 2015. Over nine inspections have led to 52 violations at the Macon facility.
Operating in the U.S. since 2016, Kumho Tire Georgia is a tire manufacturer owned by Chinese and Korean interests and employs about 560 workers from Korea and the United States.
The company now has 15 business days from receiving citations to either comply with OSHA's directives, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Learn more about OSHA.
