U.S. Department of Labor Cites Nebraska Dollar Tree Store For Exposing Employees to Exit, Storage and Other Hazards

LAVISTA, NE – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for exit, storage, compressed gas and walking working surface hazards at a LaVista, Nebraska, store. The national discount retailer faces $539,934 in penalties.

OSHA alleges the company exposed employees to fire hazards from obstructed exit routes, struck-by hazards caused by unstable stacks of stored merchandise, and walking working surfaces hazards resulting from poor housekeeping. Other alleged violations include inproper storage of compressed gas cylinders, lack of personal protective equipment and unsafe ladder use. OSHA cited the retailer for three willful and three serious violations, as well as one repeat violation.

“OSHA continues to receive complaints about unsafe working conditions at Dollar Tree stores nationwide,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “The agency will cite employers who knowingly and repeatedly disregard the law by failing to protect the safety and health of workers.”

Additional information about OSHA requirements for keeping exits unobstructed is available in the agency’s Emergency Exit Routes fact sheet. OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs includes information on how to identify and assess hazards in the workplace.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.                                            

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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights