U.S. regulators have reached a settlement with the company that operates Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores to enhance worker safety at thousands of bargain stores nationwide. The Department of Labor cited various hazards at these stores, including blocked exits, unsafe storage of materials, and improper access to fire extinguishers and electrical panels. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su stated that this agreement aligns with President Biden’s commitment to prioritize worker welfare.
According to the Department of Labor, Dollar Tree Inc. must identify the underlying causes of violations reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at multiple stores and address them within two years. Assistant Labor Secretary Doug Parker noted that Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have faced 403 violations since 2017, resulting in fines exceeding $13.1 million. While the company has made improvements in worker safety following a previous settlement, ongoing violations highlight the need for further action.
Parker emphasized that these violations and hazards are preventable, and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure worker safety. He acknowledged that implementing improvements will take time, but this agreement will facilitate significant investment by the company to establish safety controls.
The settlement encompasses all Family Dollar and Dollar Tree stores within OSHA’s jurisdiction, totaling 10,000 locations nationwide. In addition to addressing safety complaints and providing anti-retaliation safeguards, the agreement requires the company to establish safety advisory groups with comprehensive employee representation and implement safety-focused programs, including audits.
Dollar Tree and Family Dollar will face substantial fines for future violations, such as blocked exits, improper material storage, and restricted access to fire extinguishers. The company must submit proof of adequate corrections within 48 hours of an OSHA notification, failing which it may incur fines of up to $100,000 per day per violation, with a maximum of $500,000 per store. The agreement also settles existing contested and open inspections by imposing $1.4 million in penalties.
Dollar Tree’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Creedon, expressed the company’s commitment to implementing robust safety policies, procedures, and training to protect its associates. Dollar Tree Inc., headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia, acquired Family Dollar in 2015 and currently operates over 16,000 stores across the United States and Canada, employing more than 193,000 people.
In conclusion, this settlement signifies a significant step towards improving worker safety at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores, and highlights the company’s dedication to becoming a leader in workplace safety.
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