Region 8 News Release: 11-507-DEN
April 15, 2011
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
E-mail: Kulczewski.Richard@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Lowe's Home Centers for
13 violations following inspection at Castle Rock, Colo., store
Proposed penalties total $82,700

DENVER – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Wilkesboro, N.C.-based Lowe's Home Centers Inc. with 13 alleged safety violations at its Castle Rock, Colo., store. OSHA proposed $82,700 in penalties for the violations following its inspection, which was conducted based on high injury and illness rates reported at the site.

"Lowe's Home Centers failed to ensure that a viable safety and health program was in place at this facility," said John Healy, OSHA's area office director in Englewood, Colo. "This employer is well aware of OSHA requirements for its industry and has been cited several times for similar infractions."

Seven repeat violations were cited for numerous inaccuracies in required injury and illness record keeping, and with electrical safety issues involving access to equipment and damage to wire insulation. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Three serious violations were related to issues with emergency exits, machine guarding and installation of proper electrical receptacles. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Three other-than-serious violations included failure to perform a personal protective equipment assessment, failure to properly label hazardous chemicals and lack of detail on required record keeping. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of all OSHA citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Englewood Area Office; telephone 303-843-4500. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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 http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.