Dollar General began as a store in Alabama in 1965 and now has discount outlets across the country, including nine in New Jersey. Since 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined the company more than $3.3 million from 54 inspections conducted at stores around the country. A recent one took place in June at a Mobile, Alabama, store where repeated safety violations amounted to a $321,000 fine. It is part of a long line of violations going back further than 2016.
“Dollar General has a long history of disregarding safety measures to prevent serious injury or death in the event of a fire or other emergency,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “This company’s troubled history of workplace safety violations must come to an end, and OSHA will make every effort to hold them accountable for their failures.”
Cited violations
According to OSHA’s recently published report, the fines involved:
- Failure to keep main storeroom orderly enough to allow swift exit by employees during an emergency
- Exposure to potential slip and fall hazards that endangered workers
- Exposure to potential falling boxes that endangered workers
- Obstacles preventing easy access to electrical panels
Not safe for customers or staff
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 tasks employers with providing safe and healthy work environments for employees, and OSHA enforces safety regulations. Still, fines paid by businesses are little comfort to someone injured. Staff and customers can hold negligent companies responsible by filing a personal injury case. Employers may also have a worker’s compensation claim for benefits if the incident involves an employee. Those with questions about an injury in a retail space can contact our office to discuss the details of the case and potential legal options. Please call 973-473-1113 to schedule your free consultation.