Dollar General, a popular discount retailer with over 19,000 stores nationwide, has recently found itself in hot water with the U.S. Department of Labor. The department announced a settlement with the company, requiring them to pay $12 million in penalties and make significant workplace safety improvements.
This is not the first time Dollar General has faced fines for safety violations. Since 2017, the retailer has accumulated more than $21 million in fines from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These fines have been issued for various reasons, including blocked fire exits, dangerous levels of clutter, and other safety claims.
One particular concern that has plagued Dollar General stores is gun violence. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 49 deaths and 172 injuries due to gun violence at Dollar General stores in 2023 alone. This alarming statistic highlights the need for improved safety measures within the company.
As a repeat offender, Dollar General was added to OSHA’s “severe violators” list in 2023. This designation came after OSHA expanded its safety enforcement program, aiming to hold companies accountable for workplace safety violations. Dollar General became the first company to be added to this list.
In response to the settlement, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas Parker emphasized the importance of worker safety. He stated, “This agreement commits Dollar General to making worker safety a priority by implementing significant and systematic changes in its operations to improve accountability and compliance.” The settlement requires Dollar General to hire additional safety managers and take steps to prevent blocked exits and clutter. It also mandates safety and health training for all employees and the establishment of a safety and health committee with employee participation.
To ensure proper implementation of these changes, Dollar General has hired third-party consultants and auditors. These experts will identify hazards and perform unannounced annual compliance audits. The company has also created a new Safety Operations Center and maintained an anonymous hotline for employees and the public to report safety concerns. These steps are part of Dollar General’s commitment to improving workplace safety.
Interestingly, the decision to hire third-party auditors was prompted by a shareholder vote in May 2023. At that time, shareholders called for the company to take this action, despite Dollar General’s initial opposition. This shows that shareholders are increasingly concerned about workplace safety and are willing to hold companies accountable.
The settlement with the Department of Labor also requires Dollar General to monitor the outcomes of their safety efforts and provide quarterly reports to OSHA. This ensures that progress is being made and that the company remains committed to maintaining a safe working environment.
Failure to comply with the settlement could result in additional fines for Dollar General. If safety hazards are not corrected within 48 hours, the company may face fines of $100,000 per day, up to $500,000.
CNBC has reached out to Dollar General for additional comment on the settlement. As this story unfolds, it is important for companies like Dollar General to prioritize workplace safety and take proactive measures to protect their employees and customers. By implementing the required changes and monitoring their safety efforts, Dollar General can work towards creating a safer environment for everyone involved.
