Dollar Tree Faces More Fines for Blocked Exit Routes

Monday, October 14, 2019 | 0

Dollar Tree Stores Inc. was cited again for obstructed exit routes, this time at a store in Elmira, New York.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Dollar Tree $208,368 for violations including blocked exit routes, blocked electrical panels and unsafe storage at the store in upstate New York.

OSHA said its inspectors found boxes and equipment blocking an exit route in a storage room, unsecured boxes stacked to the ceiling, and piles of equipment and boxes blocking access to a circuit breaker.

OSHA cited Dollar Tree for three repeat violations. The agency said it cited the retailer for similar violations at locations in Bronx, Amityville, Lindenhurst and Yonkers in 2014 and 2015. Recently, OSHA cited the retailer for similar violations at four stores in Idaho.

“Employers have a duty to protect workers from unsafe conditions at stores nationwide,” OSHA Syracuse Area Director Jeffrey Prebish said in a statement. “Improper storage of merchandise can result in employees being struck by falling inventory, while blocked exit routes can impede swift exit in an emergency.”

Dollar Tree has 15 business days to request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.