OSHA Proposes $395K in Penalties for Dollar General After Workers Found Exposed to Multiple Hazards at Ohio Store
The discount retailer, which has been previously cited by OSHA, is facing citations for five repeat violations.
- By Alex Saurman
- Jan 25, 2023
Dollar General’s string of citations continues after OSHA cited the company for five repeat violations at an Ohio store.
According to a news release and the citations, an inspection, prompted by a complaint, at a store in West Lafayette, Ohio, found workers exposed to fire, struck-by, falling, trip and electrical hazards.
Dollar General was cited for untidy areas, unsafely stacked boxed merchandise and blocked access to exit routes, electrical panels and fire extinguishers. For these five repeat violations, OSHA proposed a penalty of $395,717.
"Dollar General continues to intentionally ignore federal safety standards while the company's defiance shows they value profits more than the safety and wellbeing of employees," said OSHA Area Director Larry Johnson, in Columbus, Ohio, in the news release.
Dollar General has been cited multiple times over the last few years for similar violations. The discount retailer has racked up more than $15 million in proposed penalties since 2017.
"Dollar General's unwillingness to make changes across its organization and, as importantly, at stores where hazards persist should be a serious concern for workers and shoppers alike,” Johnson continued.
Photo credit: Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock.com
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.