Environment Department cites unsafe workplace conditions as management did not require employees to wear Covid-19 masks; Store can appeal citation
Sante Fe, N.M. —The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) cited a Santa Fe business for violations of the state’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, resulting in an unsafe workplace.
According to a news release from NMED, the O’Reilly Auto Parts store at 4715 Airport Road in Santa Fe did not ensure employees wore face coverings during an NMED inspection in early July, in violation of state law, public health orders and Covid-Safe Practices and exposing the five employees working in close proximity to one another in the sales area to the imminent danger of Covid-19.
The store also did not encourage or post signage urging customers to wear face coverings while inside the store, further endangering employees. An NMED inspector observed during subsequent inspections that the store appears to have corrected these violations.
“Everyone in New Mexico deserves a safe place to work,” said NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “When employers do not take steps to protect employees from Covid-19 or other workplace hazards, we will hold them accountable.”
The business must pay $79,200 in penalties and provide documentation that the violations have been corrected. O’Reilly Auto Parts has the option to contest the citation and penalty.
Albuquerque’s Power Ford beats regional new-car sales average during Covid-19
The dealership reports that roughly 28 percent of its sales derived from targeted Facebook ads
Alburquerque, N.M.—Power Ford in Albuquerque, N.M., shifted thousands of its advertising dollars to Facebook and has beaten its regional market new-vehicle sales average by about 12 percent. With Dealers United as its partner, Power Ford says that roughly 28 percent of its sales derived from targeted ads.
Auto dealerships across the globe have been hit hard by the pandemic and the ensuing safety requirements. As an industry that has traditionally served customers face-to-face, dealers quickly needed to make a messaging shift for prospective buyers to ensure a safe and comfortable buying experience, according to Dealers United, a Facebook-based digital advertising agency for the automotive industry.
The agency provided auto dealers nationwide with a toolkit to keep their brand and messaging top-of-mind within their market area. The toolkit included several ad campaign strategies and “playbooks” focusing on safe service practices and sanitation, awareness of digital retailing and at-home options, as well as current OEM incentives and promotions.
IN MEMORIAM: Carl William Anderson, 85, former Denver shop owner, business man
Camarillo, Calif.—Carl William Anderson, 85, of Camarillo, Calif., passed away and his life will be celebrated with military honors on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo, Calif.
Anderson was born in Plankinton, S.D., on April 24, 1935. He attended Plankinton School and purchased his first car for $8, a 1928 Model A, at the age of 10, taping wooden blocks to the pedals so he could reach the gas and brake. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and served in the 6th Infantry out of Berlin, Germany, there receiving the Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin).
In 1962 after marriage, Anderson and his brothers partnered together in many automotive businesses including filling stations, auto repair shops, and building and racing stock cars. He moved to Denver in 1970 with his wife and family and was owner of AAA Auto Sales and C&S Towing. He ran for Mayor of Denver in 1983, and in 1994, Anderson and his wife moved to Southern California.
The service will be streamed at www.goodshepherdcamarillo.com/livestream
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