ABBOTSFORD, Wis. — Pomp's Tire Service Inc. is facing $14,502 in Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) penalties after a worker was killed at the dealership's store last summer in Abbotsford while mounting a tire.
The employee — identified as Cody Weinke, 28, of Perkinstown, Wis., in local news reports — died July 28, 2021, after being struck by a tire that came loose during the mounting procedure, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA District Five.
Pomp's was cited for one serious violation of standards for servicing multi-piece and single-piece rim wheels.
A few weeks later, a second worker was killed at a Pomp's location in Savage, Minn., on Aug. 17. That incident is still under investigation, according to OSHA.
"Like most fatal incidents, these tragedies could have been prevented if the employer took the necessary steps to protect their employees," OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack said.
"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."
In a statement issued to Tire Business on Jan. 25, Pomp's Tire said it "disagrees with the allegations and its conclusionary statements from OHSA."
The following is Pomp's full statement:
"For 80-plus years, Pomp's Tire has maintained a strong commitment to our teammates, their families, our customers, our suppliers, and our communities. By caring for our teammates, we provide better service to our customers. Sadly, this past year, Pomp's lost two of its valued teammates in separate and unrelated tragedies. Both were well trained and respected by their peers," it read.
"Pomp's Tire respectfully disagrees with the allegations and its conclusionary statements from OSHA. Safety is a top priority throughout our company. Pomp's Tire maintains a robust safety and training program, including training provided by recognized industry leaders in tire safety training. We intend to continue working cooperatively with OSHA towards a reasonable resolution of the allegations.
"Pomp's Tire has and will be committed to our employees as well as providing the most up to date safety training in the tire industry. Pending the continued OSHA review, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
Green Bay, Wis.-based Pomp's Tire also faced serious OSHA violations for an employee death in 2018.
In October of that year, an employee at a Pomp's location in Kansas City was killed after being pinned to the ground by a forklift. Pomp's was cited and initially fined $12,675 in that incident.
Founded in 1939, Pomp's Tire offers automotive repair, fleet service, tires and wheels. It has more than 120 retail, commercial and retail/commercial locations, according to the company's website.
