June 19, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites West Palm Beach, Florida,
Dollar Tree Store for Stacking, Storing Merchandise Unsafely

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited national discount retailer Dollar Tree Store Inc. for exposing employees to safety hazards at its store on Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The company faces $104,192 in penalties.

OSHA cited the company for exposing employees to struck-by, trip, and fall hazards due to unstable merchandise stacked in excess of 7-feet high in the path of an emergency exit.

"Employers must not jeopardize the safety of their employees," said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Director Condell Eastmond. "Potential workplace hazards must be assessed and eliminated to ensure a safe work environment."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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 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. Employers can find compliance assistance resources related to OSHA inspections at https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/compliance-assistance-factsheet.html.

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Media Contacts:

Michael D'Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov
Eric Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number:  19-905-ATL (205)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).