Dollar Tree has agreed to pay $825,000 in fines as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to settle health and safety violations conducted by the discount store.
The settlement resolves numerous contested citations issued by federal investigators against 13 Dollar Tree stores in nine states since 2013. According to OSHA, the majority of the citations were for obstructed emergency exits, improper storage and electrical risks.
As part of the deal, the Virginia-based store will be required to implement a comprehensive health and safety program for its stores nationwide, including the 2,400 locations involved in the settlement.
Dollar Tree has agreed to have a third-party monitor that will audit 50 stores for two years. Any findings or recommendations from the monitor will be shared with the stores, who must make any corrections or changes within 21 days.
The agreement also requires the company to inspect a cross section of its stores for three years, publish a health and safety corporate newsletter, and set up a toll-free number for employees to anonymously report health and safety concerns.
The company must also establish several administrative and engineering control measures at all locations focused on the proper storage and stacking of materials so as not to block emergency exits.
Employers Safety Responsibilities
Under federal law, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthy workplaces for workers. When they fail to do this, actions must be taken to ensure that workers are not put in harms way or at risk of being injured on-the-job.
If you are injured because of an employers negligence, the Chicago workers compensation lawyers at GWC Injury Lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We have years of experience representing Illinois labor forces against large corporations.
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