Dollar General workers in Florida had no working restroom, according to OSHA.

Dollar General workers in Florida had no working restroom, according to OSHA.

Dollar General Cited for Safety Violations, Including Lack of Working Restroom

Introduction

Dollar General, a popular discount store chain in the United States, has recently come under fire for serious safety violations at one of its Florida stores. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) inspectors discovered a total of seven violations, including the lack of a functioning restroom for workers. This article delves into the details of the violations, the consequences faced by the company, and Dollar General’s response.

Violations Unearthed by OSHA Inspectors

During a visit to the Dollar General store in Brandon, Florida in January, federal inspectors identified multiple safety breaches. These violations were subsequently issued to the company in May. Perhaps the most egregious violation was the absence of a functioning restroom, which exposed employees to adverse health effects and sanitation hazards. Although the restroom was made operational during the inspection, OSHA proposed a fine of $7,366 for this violation.

Another significant violation found at the store was the obstruction of exit routes, classified as a repeat offense. OSHA’s proposed fine for this violation amounted to a staggering $156,259. These violations, along with others, have contributed to the growing tally of fines that Dollar General has amassed over the past few years.

The High Cost of Safety Failures

In a press release earlier this month, OSHA criticized Dollar General for facing fines totaling over $21 million from 243 inspections conducted since 2017. Although the company has paid $4 million of the fines already, it still has a substantial outstanding amount. The option to contest these citations and fines is available to Dollar General.

Dollar General’s Response

Dollar General, upon learning of the safety violations uncovered at its Brandon store, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety. The company expressed that it regularly reviews and refines its safety programs, providing ongoing training, communication, recognition, and accountability. When failures like these occur, Dollar General takes prompt action to address the issues and ensure that its safety expectations are clearly communicated, understood, and implemented.

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Conclusion

Dollar General’s recent safety violations, including the lack of a functioning restroom for workers, have raised concerns about the company’s commitment to employee welfare and adherence to safety regulations. With fines amounting to millions of dollars and a critical eye from OSHA, Dollar General faces significant financial and reputational consequences. The company must prioritize safety and work diligently to address these violations and prevent future infractions.

• Dollar General
• OSHA
• workplace safety