Minnesota OSHA issues citations to Wayne Transports after worker died in confined space

Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance has issued a $621,600 penalty to Wayne Transports, Inc. due to a lack of confined-space safety requirements at its facility in Virginia. This follows a worker fatality in a tanker in March 2024.

The Virginia Police Department has identified the worker as Justin Le Erickson.

“Work processes must be designed with the goal of eliminating workplace injuries and illnesses, and workers must be properly trained about how to perform their work safely,” said Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. “Before work is performed in a confined space, employers must evaluate the elements of that space and ensure they have a comprehensive plan to protect their employees from potential hazards.”

MNOSHA Compliance also issued citations to Wayne Transports for a lack of safety datasheets for chemicals contained within truck tank trailers.

WDIO has reached out to Wayne Transports for a statement, but has not received one back as on 10:00 a.m. on August 29.

Wayne Transports has filed a Notice of Contest.