Embattled carwash owners Benny and Nissan Pirian have agreed to pay $20,000 of a $25,000 health-and-safety citation imposed last year by Cal/OSHA, as well as implement health-and-safety training programs at Vermont Car Wash and Hollywood Car Wash, according to a story by the Cal-OSHA Reporter.
Investigators cited the carwashes in December 2008 for exposing employees to unguarded, moving machine parts and failure to have adequate emergency eyewash and shower equipment available. As part of the settlement, the Pirians will hire a consultant to train workers on how to handle hazardous chemicals, according to the report.
The Pirians still face 172 criminal counts each for labor violations. If convicted on all counts, they both face nearly 86 years in county jail and $136,000 in fines. Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo filed charges in February, alleging that the Pirians repeatedly broke labor laws and created “a work environment that bordered on indentured servitude.”
Four Pirian carwashes also were named in the criminal complaint. Celebrity Car Wash Inc., Five Star Car Wash Inc., Hollywood Car Wash Inc. and Vermont Hand Wash Inc. also face 172 counts each of labor and penal code violations, with each business facing up to $136,000 in fines.
Source:
Cal-OSHA Reporter: Worker Advocates Hail Car Wash Settlement
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