Ohio car wash cited after reports of workers suffering electrical shocks

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the owner of a Beachwood, Ohio-based car wash over reports that the company ignored incidents of employees suffering electrical shocks for more than 14 months.

OSHA on Thursday announced it cited Driven Brands Shared Services LLC, which runs the Take 5 Car Wash, for one willful and 12 serious violations and proposed $256,707 after investigators discovered live electrical hazards existed throughout the facility.

Employees suffered repeated electrical shocks, yet it would take the company several weeks to make any repairs after such a report surfaced, OSHA stated.

Inspectors found issues such as rusted electrical boxes with live wires, improperly grounded outlets and improper use of flexible cords, according to OSHA.

OSHA also said inspectors learned that workers were assigned to clean walls with high-pressure water near electrical equipment, including a 480-volt electrical panel that was not rated for wet locations and showed signs of deterioration.

The car wash is a subsidiary of Driven Brands Shared Services, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

The company has 15 business days to contest the citation and proposed fines.