OSHA Slaps Bloomfield Dollar Tree With Hefty Fine

HARTFORD, CT — The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dollar Tree for exit and storage hazards at a Bloomfield store, according to a statement. The national discount retailer faces $208,384 in penalties.

OSHA inspectors found the store’s emergency exits blocked by rolling conveyor equipment and stored merchandise, and boxes of products stacked unsafely, creating the potential for falling loads, and tripping and fire hazards.

OSHA cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for two repeat violations for these conditions. OSHA has cited the company multiple times for similar hazards at stores around the nation, including after recent inspections in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Elmira, New York.

“Dollar Tree Stores Inc. has an extensive history of exposing workers to hazardous conditions,” said OSHA Hartford Area Director Dale Varney in a statement. “Improper storage of merchandise and blocked exit routes create unnecessary risks to workers and customers. This employer is legally responsible for ensuring workers are provided a safe workplace.”

Dollar Tree has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and 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.