OSHA Cited Dollar General For Blocked Exits, Repeated Safety Violations
A November 15, 2016 Department of Labor release detailed OSHA findings that a Dollar General store in Pioneer, Ohio had blocked emergency exit routes and other hazards, and that inspectors issued willful and repeat citations with proposed penalties. The agency said similar violations have appeared across Dollar General locations since 2010, a pattern that matters to employees because obstructed exits and blocked electrical panels raise serious fire and injury risks and create a clear avenue for workers to file safety complaints.
The Department of Labor on November 15, 2016 published an OSHA news release reporting that inspectors found blocked emergency exits and other hazards at a Dollar General store in Pioneer, Ohio following an August 18, 2016 inspection. OSHA issued willful and repeat citations and proposed penalties, and the agency highlighted a broader pattern of obstructed exits and other safety violations at Dollar General stores nationwide dating back to 2010.
OSHA emphasized that blocked exits and obstructed electrical panels pose significant risks for employees and customers. Those conditions can prevent rapid evacuation in a fire and complicate emergency response, increasing the chance of injury. The agency noted multiple inspections and proposed fines across Dollar General locations, signaling ongoing regulatory scrutiny rather than an isolated incident.
For workers, the release serves as both a warning and a resource. OSHA spelled out how employees and advocates can file a workplace safety complaint, provided contact information including the OSHA hotline at 800 321 OSHA, and reiterated employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The guidance identifies common inspectable hazards encountered at Dollar General locations, including blocked emergency routes, obstructed electrical panels, and improper storage that can create trip and fire hazards.
The findings carry implications for day to day operations and workplace dynamics. Store level employees may confront pressure to keep aisles and back rooms stocked in ways that compromise emergency access, and managers may lack adequate training or oversight to enforce safety protocols. Repeated citations suggest companywide compliance gaps that can undermine worker confidence and increase turnover if employees feel their safety is not protected.
Workers who observe blocked exits, obstructed electrical panels, or other hazards should document conditions and consider filing a complaint with OSHA using the hotline or regional office contacts. For updates on any new citations or regulatory actions involving Dollar General, employees and advocates should consult OSHA regional filings and the agency newsroom.
