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Hotplates Pose Electrical Hazards to Shop Employees

Jan. 3, 2000

OSHA warns that workers at Dunkin' Donuts shops are being exposed to possible electric shock from hotplates.

Coffee warmers used by workers in Dunkin' Donuts shops may be improperly grounded as installed, exposing the employees to possible electric shock, OSHA warns.

OSHA issued a Hazard Information Bulletin (HIB) following reported incidents involving employees at Dunkin' Donuts shops in Quincy and Springfield, Mass.

The HIB notes that the metal face plate for the on/off toggle switch on electric hotplates (Model H-006) manufactured by Wells Manufacturing Co., Verdi, Nev., may not be grounded when installed in numerous Dunkin' Donuts shops.

In July, two employees reported receiving electric shocks at a shop in Quincy. Another injury that may be related to the hotplate reportedly occurred this fall at a second shop in Springfield.

The local OSHA office investigated, issuing citations for four serious violations of electrical safety standards with proposed penalties totaling $2,850, which have been paid.

Both Allied Domecq Retailing USA, parent company of Dunkin' Donuts, and Wells Manufacturing are taking steps to correct the situation.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.