Two Columbus Dollar Generals facing $300,000 in fines for safety violations
Two Columbus Dollar General locations are facing more than $300,000 in fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to a press release Monday.
The Dollar General on Victory Drive is facing $221,001 in proposed penalties for exposing workers to fire and entrapment hazards as well as hazards from unsafely stored merchandise.
A second location, on 13th Avenue, is facing $98,219 in proposed penalties for multiple objects blocking walkways and exposing employees to trip hazards.
Since 2017, Dollar General Corp. and Dolgencorp LLC has been issued over $15,000,000 in fines for unsafe conditions in over 180 inspections across the U.S. OSHA described the violations as “...numerous willful, repeat and serious workplace violations,” according to a press release issued in January.
“Dollar General has a long history of disregarding safety measures that could compromise the well-being of the people who work there, and that has to change,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer in a December press release.
Multiple Georgia locations faced fines for OSHA violations in 2022 including stores in Darien, West Point, Dewy Rose, Smyrna, Dalton and Thomasville.
Dollar General has 15 days after receiving the citations to comply. They can also request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.
Dollar General Corp. and Dolgencorp LLC told the Ocala Star Banner, “As a growing retailer serving thousands of communities across the country, Dollar General is committed to providing a safe work environment for its associates and shopping experience for its customers.”
“We regularly review and refine our safety programs, and reinforce them through training, ongoing communication, recognition, and accountability. When we learn of situations where we have failed to live up to this commitment, we work to timely address the issue and ensure that the company’s expectations regarding safety are clearly communicated, understood, and implemented.”
The Ledger-Enquirer has reached out to Dollar General separately but has not heard from the company yet.
