U.S. Department of Labor Again Cites Three Queens Supermarkets For Safety Violations

NEW YORK, NY – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has again cited Trade Fair Supermarkets for exposing employees to safety and health hazards at three of its locations in Queens, New York. The company faces $505,929 in proposed penalties.

OSHA’s Queens District Office inspected supermarkets in Astoria and Jackson Heights. Inspectors found blocked exit routes, saw blades without safety guards, and found a lack of eyewash stations needed in the event of exposure to corrosive substances. The company also failed to train employees on, and provide safety data sheets for, hazardous chemicals used in the stores. As a result, OSHA cited the company for one serious and 10 repeat violations. The Agency cited the company for similar violations in 2013.

“The recurrence and pattern of these violations is troubling,” said OSHA Area Director Kay Gee, who oversees Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. “These grocery stores must focus on safety and make it a priority.”

Trade Fair Supermarkets has notified OSHA of its intent to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.  Read more about the findings and citations here, here, and here.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.