Dollar Tree Stores Cited by OSHA with Repeat Workplace Safety Hazards for Allegedly Allowing Blocked Fire Exits and Unsafe Storage of Merchandise

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Chesapeake, Virginia-based Dollar Tree Stores with repeat workplace safety hazards at a Newark, New Jersey location and has proposed $121,000 in penalties.

OSHA found during an inspection of the Dollar Tree Store in Newark that the retailer had permitted its exit routes to be blocked by boxes and product carts and had stored materials in an unsafe manner.  Dollar Tree Stores have been cited previously for similar violations in four locations in 2008, 2010, and 2011. When, as in this case, repeat violations occurred within the last five years, OSHA assesses stiffer penalties against the responsible entity.  OSHA has given Dollar Tree Stores fifteen days from receipt of its citations to correct the violations.

Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA’s Parsippany Area Office, states:

“These violations are often found at retail stores and can pose a serious risk to workers… It is imperative that Dollar Tree Stores evaluate all of its locations for these and other potential workplace hazards, and take the appropriate steps to protect workers.”

The Employment Law Group® law firm represents employees nationally who have been exposed to hazardous work conditions.

Tagged: Enforcement Bodies, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)