Small and midsize business owners take heed of a recent case that emphasizes the importance of electrical safety in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a retail store for multiple electrical safety violations, shedding light on the potential penalties for failing to ensure a safe work environment.
Store Fined for Repeat Electrical Safety Violations
The OSHA inspection, which began on May 15, 2023, revealed several electrical hazards at the retail store. Specifically, inspectors identified three repeat electrical safety violations, including connecting two movable power taps in ways not recommended by their UL listing and safety label, having an outlet without a cover or faceplate, and using flexible wiring when fixed wiring was required.
Of particular concern is the fact that the retail store had previously been cited for similar violations in 2020 and 2022 at multiple locations, including New Hampshire, as well as Alabama. Such repeat violations raise concerns about the company’s commitment to addressing these issues.
In addition to the repeat violations, the OSHA inspection found one other-than-serious violation related to not stacking or securing stackable totes to prevent them from sliding or collapsing.
The Result
OSHA has proposed penalties amounting to $147,334 for the retail store. Business owners must understand that failing to address electrical hazards not only jeopardizes worker safety but can also result in significant financial penalties.
OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack in Wisconsin, emphasized the importance of electrical safety, stating that it protects workers from potential hazards. Managers responsible for the retail store must address these issues immediately to prevent more serious problems in the future.
The retail store founded in 1939 and headquartered in Tennessee, operates more than 19,000 stores in 47 U.S. states and Mexico, employing approximately 170,000 workers. OSHA has conducted inspections at over 500 stores operated by the company and its subsidiaries since September 2013.
The company has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations and penalties to take corrective actions, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Conclusion
The retail store case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety in the workplace. Small and midsize business owners must prioritize safety and ensure compliance with safety regulations to protect their employees and avoid potential legal and financial consequences. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and creating a safe work environment should be a top priority for all businesses.