Not One but Four Dollar Tree Stores Locations are Cited for OSHA Penalties
OSHA cited Dollar Tree Stores at four separate Idaho locations for exposing employees to unsafe merchandise storage and blocked walkways and exit routes. The company faces $898,682 in penalties.
Dollar Tree Stores is facing major penalties from OSHA for exposing its workers to storage and walkway violations, among others. OSHA cited the company at four Idaho locations and is charging a total of $898,682 in penalties.
OSHA initially responded to a complaint that a Dollar Tree in Boise was exposing employees to unstable stacks and piles of boxes in the store’s stockroom. Soon after, inspectors received another compliant alleging similarly unsafe conditions at Dollar Tree locations in Caldwell, Nampa, and Meridian.
At all four stores, inspectors found unsafe conditions as reported: boxes were improperly stacked—often with heavier boxes on top of lighter ones—and blocked aisles and exit routes. At one store, inspectors heard from an employee who suffered injury and needed help after boxes fell on the individual. While an inspector shot a video of conditions during a separate inspection, a stack of boxes fell and almost injured an employee. Apparently, falling boxes had injured other employees, inspectors learned.
Improper box stacking and blockage of aisles and exit routes is not the only reasons the company is facing penalties. Inspectors cited the company for violations related to blocked electrical panels, improper use of a ladder, and exposing workers to falls from heights. The citations can be viewed here.
“Dollar Tree Stores has a history of exposing their employees to safety and health hazards,” said Loren Sweatt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. “Improper storage of merchandise creates unnecessary risks for employees, while blocked exits pose serious risks to the safety of employees and customers in an emergency.”
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission