Lowe's Nailed for Repeat Violations at Three Pennsylvania Stores
The inspections were conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury and illness rates. Proposed penalties total $96,030.
OSHA has cited Lowe's stores in Carlisle, Hanover, and Palmyra, Pa., for a total of 11 safety and health violations, 10 of those repeat, including exposing workers to chemical and electrical hazards. The inspections were conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury and illness rates. Proposed penalties total $96,030.
"Lowe's stores continue to put employees at risk by not addressing previously cited safety and health violations," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office, which conducted the inspections. "This employer is well aware of OSHA requirements but continues to disregard federal law, which will not be tolerated."
The Carlisle store was cited for five repeat violations with $61,820 in penalties for permitting employees to use hazardous liquid chemicals without the use of personal protective equipment, improperly modifying powered industrial trucks, using flexible cords and cables as a substitute for fixed wiring, and failing to properly label hazardous chemical containers.
The Hanover store was cited for three repeat violations with $990 in penalties involving several electrical hazards, including failing to properly use listed or labeled electrical equipment, using a flexible cord as a substitute for fixed wiring, and running a flexible cord through a hole in the wall. The store also was cited for one other-than-serious violation with no monetary penalty for having an obstructed fire alarm pull station, which previously was cited at other stores.
The Palmyra store was cited for two repeat violations with $33,220 in penalties for failing to provide personal protective equipment to employees exposed to hazardous liquid chemicals.
Lowe's Companies Inc. is a national chain of retail home improvement and appliance stores. The Carlisle, Hanover, and Palmyra stores employ 161, 191, and 140 workers, respectively.