The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited TJX Companies Inc. for exposing workers to fire, entrapment and struck-by hazards after stacking and storing merchandise unsafely.
According to a Nov. 29 news release, OSHA found blocked exit routes and unstable merchandise storage at a T.J. Maxx store in Pooler, Ga. There was also excess boxes and debris, resulting in a slip, trip and fall hazard. OSHA is proposing $239,290 in penalties.
"The U.S. Department of Labor will not allow employers like TJX Companies Inc. to put their workers at risk by repeatedly violating federal safety standards," OSHA Acting Area Office Director Jerred Stevens said in the release. "These standards exist to protect workers from needless harm during their routine workday, especially in an emergency. The hazards often found in busy retail stores are easily addressed but, left ignored, they can jeopardize workers."
TJX Companies is the Massachusetts-based operator of T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and other department stores, the release reported.
TJX Companies has 15 business days from receiving the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before an OSHA review commission, according to the release.
