In DTs defense, until one is cited for a violation they may be unaware of a violation. Although that doesn't seem to apply in this case as under-staffing to "save" money may be the root cause.
Actually violating OSHA regulations is quite easy and can be as simple as stacking a pallet too high, not maintaining a 3' buffer in front of an electrical panel or improper storage of cleaning materials (ie re-using a spray bottle not properly marked for the product inside - i fight that one on a daily basis and trying to explain the regulations surrounding it is a losing battle). What is disconcerting, instead of sucking it up and "learning" from the mistakes, DT is going to try and fight the citations (which may be warranted in some instances). But I can guarantee that within 24 hours of OSHA's visit those same violations were present again, speaking from experience as a former safety officer.
Oh and at $15,000+ per violation them there are some serious fuck-ups,,,just saying.
__
Discount retailer Dollar Tree has earned itself the not so great distinction of raking in perhaps more workplace-safety violations in one year than any other business has managed to accumulate: In the last 12 months, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 48 violations to Dollar Tree, charging it $866,000 in fines.
Was there an epic case of exploding boxes of soda or something? The answer is probably a lot simpler and more dangerous in an everyday way, say regulators, saying that problems like precariously balanced boxes, tanks of gas placed willy nilly and blocked electrical outlets are to blame for the rash of violations, reports the Wall Street Journal.
One store in Texas just received $262,500 in fines on Wednesday, OSHA said, it’s fourth fine of more than $100,000 since May.
This run of violations and fines could be the highest ever doled out to a retail chain, says OSHA head David Michaels.
“We see a problem in stores across the country,” he said. “Each of these stores has some serious hazards.”
In comparison — though Dollar General and Family Dollar are both larger chains, each only run up fines of less than $50,000 over the same period.
Dollar Tree says in response to the news that it’s “committed to maintaining a safe workplace environment for each of our associates. We are currently in the process of contesting recent OSHA citations.”
Dollar Tree Racked Up $866K In Fines Over Last 12 Months For Workplace-Safety Violations – Consumerist
No comments:
Post a Comment