January 3, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio UPS Facility for Blocking Exits

SHARONVILLE, OH – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited United Parcel Service (UPS) for repeatedly putting workers at risk by obstructing exit routes at its Sharonville, Ohio, distribution center. The company faces $208,603 in proposed penalties.

OSHA inspectors determined that UPS failed to maintain exit routes at multiple facility locations. A roller extension unloader device was permanently located and attached to a belt conveyor limiting the access route, management allowed packages to accumulate in aisles, and some access routes were reduced to just seven inches.

"Failing to maintain required access routes is a serious hazard that can puts workers’ safety at risk, especially in an emergency evacuation situation," said OSHA Area Office Director Ken Montgomery, in Cincinnati. "This employer’s failure to follow required exit route safety requirements has been cited at other UPS facilities. Maintaining safe, well-marked exit routes must be part of a comprehensive safety and health program at all facilities."

The company is contesting 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.

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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 18-1992-CHI

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).