Dollar Tree faces fines after accidents cause workplace injury

One of the last things a business would want is problems with regulating authorities. This is definitely true about work safety regulators in Massachusetts or in any other state. Safety violations can be a serious problem for companies since they can result in serious fines and punishments from regulators. These violations often follow a serious workplace injury or could otherwise cause one if the underlying safety issues are left unattended.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for violating safety standards for a second time since late 2013. This recent citation for safety violations stems from OSHA inspectors witnessing boxes falling on top of an employee while inspectors were doing an inspection visit. This occurred in June 2014 during a visit to one of the chain’s store locations.

OSHA is proposing monetary fines which are reported to total $103,000. This most recent violation is one of a string of violations which has resulted in fines totaling over $800,000. Three employees were injured in Oct. 2013 by falling boxes. OSHA claims that the company has demonstrated continued disregard for the safety of workers.

Regardless of Dollar Tree’s ongoing problems in failing to comply with OSHA safety guidelines, company employees who suffer a workplace injury are likely entitled to insurance benefits via workers’ compensation coverage. This can be helpful for those in Massachusetts or any other state who may be facing medical bills and other financial losses as a result of an accident in the workplace. It can also help with replacing any lost income for time missed from the job while focused on recovering.

Source: ehstoday.com, “Does Money Grow on Trees at Dollar Tree?“, Sandy Smith, Dec. 17, 2014