Dollar General Settles Unsafe Working Conditions Claims for $12 Million

Dollar General has reached a $12 million settlement with the Department of Labor over allegations of unsafe working conditions in its stores, including blocked fire exits and improper storage practices. The settlement, facilitated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), mandates that the company implement significant safety improvements across its more than 19,000 locations nationwide. As part of the agreement, Dollar General must address any future violations related to safety hazards, including access to fire extinguishers and electrical panels. The company has been given 48 hours to provide evidence of corrective actions, with potential daily fines of $100,000 for non-compliance, which could escalate to $500,000. Douglas Parker, OSHA's assistant secretary, emphasized the need for systematic changes to enhance accountability and compliance within the company. To bolster workplace safety, Dollar General is required to establish a safety and health committee, provide training for all employees, and improve inventory management to prevent blocked exits. The company will also expand its safety structure by hiring additional safety managers, allowing employees to have a say in their health and safety measures. In response to the settlement, Dollar General has engaged a third-party consultant to identify hazards and conduct annual compliance audits. The company has also set up a Safety Operations Center to monitor store conditions and an anonymous hotline for reporting safety concerns. Dollar General expressed satisfaction with the agreement and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for employees and a positive shopping experience for customers.