By this Order, I find that Hennepin County Medical Center (Respondent) committed four (4) violations of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), 49 CFR Parts 171-180, and I assess Respondent a $8,795 civil penalty.
On September 10,2013, the Office of Chief Counsel issued a Notice of Probable Violation (Notice) to Respondent proposing a $8,795 civil penalty for four (4) violations of the HMR. On September 24, 2013, Respondent submitted a payment in the amount of $8,975. By paying the full amount of the civil penalty proposed in the Notice, Respondent admitted the violations as alleged in the Notice (49 CFR § 107.315).
Therefore, I find Respondent committed the violations as set forth in the Notice.
These violations shall constitute a prior violation under 49 U.S.C. § 5123 in the event Respondent commits any future violation of the Federal hazardous materials transportation law, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq., or the HMR. By paying the proposed civil penalty, Respondent waived all rights to further respond to the Notice and to appeal this Order. Accordingly, PHMSA accepts Respondent’s September 24, 2013 payment in full satisfaction of the civil penalty proposed in the Notice and PHMSA shall close this case with prejudice.
Even minor violations of the HMR can result in significant civil penalties, as in this case. A good defense against violations, enforcement actions, and civil penalties is training. HazMat Employee Training. MY HazMat Employee Training, to be precise. Contact me with questions about the HMR or to schedule your Onsite HazMat Employee Training.