The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Family Dollar Stores of Connecticut Inc. $72,000 for an allegedly blocked emergency exit route and other violations at a Bridgeport store.
OSHA spokesman Ted Fitzgerald said the store has several options by way of response, including seeking an informal conference at which new information is presented, which could result in a settlement and that settlement, according to Fitzgerald, “may or may not reduce the payment” or lacking resolution after 15 days, the company may contest OSHA”™s assertions.
The citation came as a result of the conditions found April 6 at the 1175 State St. store in Bridgeport.
The inspection, the agency said, found “the emergency exit route through the storeroom was completely blocked by carts and boxes of merchandise.”
Additionally, “Boxes of stock stored in tiers were not properly stacked and secured to prevent them from sliding or collapsing on employees. In addition, the storeroom”™s exit doors were not clearly marked, a helium gas cylinder used to inflate balloons was not secured to prevent it from falling and an aluminum ladder was stored against an electric panel.”
“Hazards such as obstructed exit access can have devastating consequences if employees are unable to reach emergency exits in a fire or other incident, and falling stock can result in contusions and broken bones,” Robert Kowalski, OSHA”™s area director in Bridgeport, said in a statement. “The recurring nature of these hazards is disturbing. Family Dollar must take effective action to ensure that hazards are eliminated and workers protected at all its stores.”
As of press time, Family Dollar had not responded to the allegations.
