In what can only be described as a blatant disregard for workplace safety laws, Dollar General stores have been the subject of numerous Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations dating back to 2017. This includes numerous safety violations, including blocked exits and unsafe storage areas. These violations put workers at risk of serious injury while on the job and could potentially lead to workers’ compensation claims from employees who are hurt or become ill as a result of unsafe work conditions. For employees of the Dollar General fulfillment center in Fulton, Missouri, learning the full extent of their rights is vitally important to ensure they are adequately compensated for any injuries or illnesses suffered due to a lack of safety precautions.
Dollar General Stores’ Repeat Workplace Safety Violations
In the span of only five years, Dollar General stores have been investigated more than 180 times by OSHA due to safety violations, racking up a number of substantial penalties in the process. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these include recent fines of over $1.6 million for stores in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, adding to the more than $9.0 million already imposed on the retailer since 2017.
To call Dollar General’s ongoing lack of workplace safety concerning, is an extreme understatement.
OSHA has most recently cited Dollar General for a variety of safety hazards, including failure to maintain clean and organized receiving/storage areas as well improper stacking of boxes and materials that blocked escape routes. Additionally, fire extinguishers were not mounted or labeled properly causing further danger in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, OSHA also cited the retailer for having an exit door locked, putting workers at risk as they would be unable to escape when needed. These violations have created unacceptable work conditions with potential risks such as slips and trips as well as the potential to be struck by falling objects, up to even entrapment dangers due to the lack of clear exit pathways and obstructed electrical panels.
How a Columbia Lawyer Can Help with Injuries Sustained in an Unsafe Workplace
No worker should ever be subjected to the dangers of an unsafe workplace, and yet Dollar General stores continue to face fines for failing to take basic safety precautions that protect their workers from harm. Employees at the Dollar General fulfillment center in Fulton, MO should be aware of any unsafe working conditions that may be present at their workplace. If you or someone you know has been injured at a Dollar General warehouse due to their continued failure to abide by OSHA regulations, seek legal advice from an experienced Columbia workers’ compensation attorney.
Workplace injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering, permanent disabilities. When this happens, it can be confusing to know what to do and even more difficult to navigate the complex workers’ comp system alone. A skilled workplace safety lawyer will aggressively fight for your rights and help ensure you receive fair compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, or other damages you may have suffered due to unsafe working conditions. They will scrutinize every aspect of how the accident occurred, including the investigation of any OSHA safety violations that may have contributed to the injury or illness. They’ll obtain witness testimony and other evidence to build a strong case on your behalf and represent you at a trial if necessary.
Contact the Columbia Law Office of Chris Miller if You’ve Suffered a Workplace Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured in an unsafe workplace, contact the Law Offices of Chris Miller today. Our experienced worker’s compensation lawyers are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve for your workplace injuries. We work to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the full benefits owed to you under Columbia workers’ compensation laws. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the help you need.