Coca-Cola warehouse fined over safety violations

A Coca-Cola Co. distribution warehouse has received $61,600 in penalties by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for alleged repeat and serious safety violations.

OSHA inspectors cited Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for repeat violations related to obstructed exit routes, lack of illuminated emergency exit signs, unmarked exits and improper storage of gas cylinders, the agency said in a statement Tuesday.

The warehouse also was cited for serious violations related to unguarded floor holes and lack of refresher training related to forklifts, according to the statement.

“Blocked exit routes and unmarked exits pose a serious danger to Coca-Cola's warehouse employees, as they prevent quick escape in case of an emergency,” said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel, New Jersey office, in the statement. “Employers have a legal obligation to ensure workers have a safe and healthy workplace, and will be held accountable when they fail to do so.”

Coca-Cola has 15 days to contest the OSHA fines or request an informal conference with an OSHA area director, according to the citation posted online.