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A Home Depot store in Chicago is facing fines from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposing workers to electrical hazards, according to the Chicago Tribune. OSHA officials inspected the store following complaints of blocked electrical panels in July.
Home Depot is no stranger to safety violations. OSHA cited the chain for similar violations in 2009 and 2010. Proposed fines total $69,000.
“The Home Depot has a responsibility to protect the safety of its employees by minimizing exposure to hazards, such as clearly marking electrical boxes,” said Diane Turek, regional OSHA director in Chicago.
OSHA regulations require all electrical equipment to be clearly marked with its purpose and voltage, as well as have unobstructed access.
“Left uncorrected, these conditions expose employees to shocks, eye injuries and potential electrocution,” said OSHA’s Kimberly Castillon. “Employers with multiple locations who correct hazards at one location should take effective steps to ensure that similar hazards do not occur at other workplaces.”
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Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys