OSHA Cites Home Depot for Repeat Safety Violations

Home Depot is facing hefty federal fines for safety violations at one of its stores in Saratoga Springs, New York, according to sources. The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspected the facility and cited “repeat and serious” workplace violations.

OSHA inspectors found that the working space around electrical equipment panels was used to store items, restricting access to them. In the event of an emergency, workers would be unable to reach the panels to cut off power to equipment or machinery. Proposed fines from OSHA total $51,480. Home Depot has 15 working days to agree to pay the fine or request an OSHA hearing. OSHA cited Home Depot facilities in New Hampshire and New Jersey in 2010 and again this year for similar violations.

“We take the claims from OSHA serious and look forward to discussing the proposed claims with OSHA and we’ll address them accordingly,” said Home Depot Spokesman Stephen Holems.

It is always troubling to see repeat safety violations, especially ones that can result in a fatal accident. Until Home Depot figures out a solution to this problem, it will continue to face federal fines.

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.