US Department of Labor cites Wisconsin Dollar General for electrical hazards

Employer:                                          Dolgencorp LLC, operating as Dollar General

404 East Pioneer St.

Crandon, Wisconsin 54520

Citations Issued:                   Three repeat violations and one other-than-serious violation 

Investigative Findings: Inspectors with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an inspection at the Dollar General store on May 15, 2023. They identified three repeat electrical safety violations, including connecting two movable power taps in ways not recommended by their UL listing and safety label, having an outlet without a cover or faceplate and using flexible wiring when fixed wiring was required. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2020 and 2022 in Troy, New Hampshire as well as Mobile and South Ashland, Alabama. In addition, the agency identified one other-than-serious violation for not stacking or securing stackable totes to prevent them from sliding or collapsing.

Proposed penalties: $147,334

Quote: “Using electrical power taps, wiring and outlets safely protects workers from electrical hazards,” explained OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack in Appleton, Wisconsin. “Managers responsible for this Dollar General location must address these issues immediately before these hazards cause a more serious problem.” 

Background: Founded in 1939, Dollar General Corp. is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. The company operates more than 19,000 stores in 47 U.S. states and Mexico with about 170,000 employees. OSHA has inspected more than 500 stores operated by the company and those of its subsidiaries since September 2013. 

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.