Dollar General Corp., a well-known discount retailer, is once again under scrutiny as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uncovers safety hazards in nine of its stores. This investigation has resulted in a further $3.4 million in proposed penalties for the corporation, bringing its total fines since 2017 to more than $21 million.
Four-State Inspection Reveals Safety Issues
Late 2022 inspections took place in Maine, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Officials observed blocked emergency exits, aisles, and fire extinguishers. In many instances, store merchandise or other materials obscured these crucial safety features. Electrical panels, too, were found to be obstructed.
Persistent Violations Raise Concerns
“Dollar General continues to expose its employees to unsafe conditions at its stores across the nation,” stated OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker. These repeated violations have provoked ongoing concern for the welfare of Dollar General employees.
Specific Locations and Findings
The recent investigations targeted Dollar General stores in Enfield, Maine; Casselton, Garrison, Hillsboro, Killdeer, Minot, and Tioga in North Dakota; Kettering, Ohio; and Kewaunee, Wisconsin. In addition to the typical safety violations, North Dakota’s investigation revealed that at least six employees had suffered exposure to toxic vapors due to ruptured chemical containers.
These inspections were all conducted between October and December of the previous year, adding to the prior safety breaches identified in inspections of 240 stores across the country.