OSHA Fines Pomp's Tire Service Because of July Accident That Killed a Worker in Abbotsford

Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 -- 1:01 PM

(Doug Schneider, Green Bay Press-Gazette) OSHA proposes a fine of more than $14,000 for Green Bay-based Pomp's Tire Service chain because of a July incident that killed a worker who was installing a tire at a store in Abbotsford.

According to Doug Schneider of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the agency also is investigating a similar workplace death in August of a worker at a Pomp's Tire location in Savage, Minn., the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in an announcement Monday.

Pomp's, which is headquartered in Green Bay and operates roughly 200 locations across the Midwest, would be fined $14,502 for what OSHA termed "one serious violation of standards for servicing multi-piece and single-piece rim wheels."

The incident involved the death of worker Cody Weinke, 28, of Perkinstown. Weinke was fatally injured while attempting to mount a new tire on a rim, OSHA said. Pomp's, on Tuesday, insisted it has a "robust safety and training program" that prepares its employees to be safe workers.

"Pomp’s Tire respectfully disagrees with the allegations, and its conclusory statements from OSHA. Safety is a top priority throughout our company," Pomp's Regional Vice President Kevin Orthober said in a statement. Pomp’s intends "to continue working cooperatively with OSHA toward a reasonable resolution of the allegations" related to Weinke's death.

He declined comment on the Minnesota incident while OSHA's review continues. The federal agency, however, says the company didn't do enough to protect its workers.

The deaths could have been prevented "if the employer took the necessary steps to protect their employees,” OSHA's Appleton-based area director Robert Bonack said in a statement. “Employers should develop an effective safety and health plan, and they are required to train workers on how to identify hazards and use required protective measures to help ensure their safety.”

If the retailer believes the fine is unreasonable, it has 15 days to contest the citation or seek a reduction of the fine, OSHA Chicago-based spokesman Scott Allen said Monday. The second death has yet to result in any penalties. The case remains under investigation by OSHA in Minnesota.

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