Dollar Tree Stores Inc. was issued one of the biggest fines assessed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for repeat safety violations at their Vancouver, WA store relating to unsafe merchandise storage and handling, unsafe ladder use, and obstructed exit routes.

Investigators from L&I levied a $503,200 fine against the store, which has a history of safety violations. The company was informed of prior hazards and given instructions on how to improve safety conditions and avoid future fines.

“Even after multiple large fines, it appears this company has not gotten the message to ensure their safety and health system is working in every Washington store location,” said L&I Assistant Director Anne Soiza. “This fine is one of the largest we’ve issued and we will apply pressure to Dollar Tree until its leadership takes sustained, comprehensive steps to prevent serious hazards.”

This is the third substantial L&I citation and fine involving Dollar Tree in just a year, and since 2017 L&I has completed 15 Dollar Tree stores. They have been fined almost $593,000 since 2013, with citations related to various stores around the state.

Shipments arrive frequently at the stores and they face challenges with too much inventory and not enough storage space which leads to stacks of boxes which can lean over or block hallways and exits. The boxes might fall on workers, and lifting heavy boxes onto the stacks is a hazard to employees who may suffer strains or sprains. At this Vancouver store workers were climbing on shelving units, a fall hazard.

Dollar Tree stores around the country have been cited for similar hazards. The company was placed in L&I’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program and that means the stores are subject to inspections at any time. They have appealed this citation.

Read the press release from L&I here.