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

BLOOMINGTON, IL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for exit, storage and fire hazards at a Bloomington, Illinois, store. The national discount retailer faces $233,255 in penalties for three repeat violations.

OSHA inspectors cited the company for exposing employees to fire hazards from obstructed exit routes and blocked fire extinguishers, and to struck-by hazards from unstable stacks of stored merchandise.

“This employer is responsible for ensuring that every store implements required safety precautions to protect employees on the job,” said OSHA Peoria Area Director Barry Salerno. “OSHA will continue to use enforcement tools to ensure employers comply with their obligation to keep workers safe.”

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 workers 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.