January 28, 2015 – Tangled extension cords and overloaded power outlets in wet locations were just some of the hazards faced by employees at Xpedited Services LLC’s warehouse in New Jersey, an inspection by OSHA’s found.

After the August 14, 2014, inspection, the Jersey City-based trucking company received 14 serious citations with $63,000 in associated fines for permitting dangerous electrocution, fire and other hazardous risks to exist.

“Xpedited Services created an electrical nightmare for its workers, exposing warehouse employees to electrocution hazards and significant fire risk,” said Kris Hoffman of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

OSHA investigators found that, in place of permanent wiring, the company used flexible cords and temporary wiring to power hand-held tools and the warehouse, which created electrocution and fire hazards. Making matters worse, says OSHA, cords were used in wet areas without damage protection and were not inspected regularly. The inspection also found four extension cords plugged into a single, overloaded electrical outlet.