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

MARINETTE, WI – 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 Marinette, Wisconsin, store. The national discount retailer faces $477,089 in penalties.

OSHA inspectors found the company exposed employees to fire hazards from obstructed and unmarked exit routes and blocked fire extinguishers, and failed to maintain fire extinguishers. The employer also exposed employees to struck-by hazards caused by unstable stacks of stored merchandise, and fire and electrical hazards associated with blocked electrical panels. OSHA cited the retailer for one other-than-serious, two repeat and three willful violations.

“OSHA continues to receive complaints about unsafe working conditions at Dollar Tree stores across the nation,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “This employer is required to follow the law, and comply with regulations that protect workers from injuries and fatalities.”

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.