This story was originally posted on WorkSafety 24/7, the newest Peerless Media publication. WorkSafety 24/7 is the premier online source for workplace and occupational safety news, focusing on the construction, supply chain, warehousing, manufacturing, and service industries.

Virginia Transformer Corporation Faces $1 Million OSHA Fine

In a shocking revelation, employees of Virginia Transformer Corporation (VTC) at their Pocatello, Idaho, manufacturing facility have voiced significant concerns about workplace safety and management practices. One anonymous employee stated in an Indeed review, “They don’t care about their employees and don’t care about safety.”

Recent OSHA Citations and Violations

Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations against VTC totaling nearly $1 million for exposing workers to serious safety hazards. This action was prompted by findings from a June 2025 inspection that revealed conditions similar to those noted in earlier inspections in April and June 2024. Key issues included cranes used for handling heavy loads, which had faulty brakes and switches.

In total, OSHA cited VTC for 53 serious and repeat violations. These included failures to guard machinery, expose workers to fall hazards, and provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). The proposed penalties amount to $986,888.

VTC has 15 business days from the date of receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC).

Historical Context: Past Citations

Since acquiring its Pocatello facility in 2003, VTC has received a total of 99 citations from OSHA, amounting to $602,059—though this was later reduced to $363,150. Most of these citations were issued prior to 2010, with a notable absence of citations between 2011 and 2023. Earlier inspections primarily focused on risks related to amputations, falls from height, electrical hazards, and struck-by hazards.

Following the 2024 inspections, 18 additional citations were recorded, leading to fines totaling $228,834, which were also later reduced to $171,625. These inspections emphasized crane and forklift hazards, as well as OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on respirable crystalline silica.

Employee Testimonials Highlight Concerns

Current and former employees have shared troubling insights regarding the work environment at VTC’s Pocatello facility on Indeed. Concerns include a lack of safety protocols, inadequate training, poor communication from management, and an unsustainable work-life balance.

Comments from employees illustrate a troubling atmosphere, with one material, purchasing, and shipping manager describing the environment as “very fast-paced,” mentioning that “plant management delegates and communicates poorly, and the environment is fear-based.” Another employee lamented that the company was “unprofessional” and that HR services were inadequate, stating that they often dismissed personal circumstances with laughter.

Some reviews highlighted intense work pressures, including shifts that stretched to 12 hours without guaranteed days off, exacerbating the stress levels among workers. Concerns about the workforce turnover, described by a high-voltage assembler as “high for a reason,” point to further dissatisfaction with safety practices and employee treatment.

Safety Practices at Other VTC Facilities

Alongside the Pocatello location, VTC operates five additional facilities across North America. Their operations include a plant in Rincon, Georgia, as well as two facilities each in Chihuahua, Mexico, and Virginia. OSHA has conducted 21 inspections at various Virginia facilities between 2020 and 2025, leading to the discovery of 29 violations.

A Closer Look at Facility Operations

The Pocatello plant epitomizes a complex manufacturing environment, featuring five 25,000-square-foot bays. These areas facilitate the use of air pallets for moving heavy transformers, with overhead cranes handling loads exceeding 50 tons.

To ensure a controlled environment conducive to quality manufacturing, the assembly floors are sealed, and the winding shop is maintained at positive pressure. These practices aim to minimize dust contamination and achieve efficiency in production. The facility boasts impressive performance metrics, achieving less than 150 pico-coulombs in partial discharge—well below the 500 pico-coulombs threshold set by ANSI.

OSHA Resources and Information

Notes on OSHA’s Establishment Search:

• Entries for VTC’s Pocatello, Idaho facility are listed under “Vtcu, Corp.” or “Vtcu Corporation.”
• Entries for VTC’s Roanoke and Troutville, Virginia facilities are listed under “Virginia Transformer Corp.” or “Virginia Transformer Corporation.”