OSHA is proposing $89,000 in fines against CVS Pharmacy Inc. for alleged repeat and serious safety violations at its Orange store, the agency says.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says on its website that its Bridgeport inspectors found CVS employees working in the store’s stockroom where containers and pallets blocked emergency exit routes.
OSHA said it cited CVS in 2007 for similar conditions at stores in Darien and New York City. As a result, OSHA issued CVS one repeat citation with a $70,000 fine for this recurring hazard.
The inspection of the Orange store also identified an unmarked exit door, unmounted fire extinguishers, no fire extinguisher training for workers and lack of an action plan in case of a fire or other emergency, the agency said.
Moreover, boxes of merchandise were stored in tiers that were not stacked, secured or limited in height to prevent them from collapsing on workers, OSHA said.
These conditions resulted in the issuance of six serious citations, with $19,000 in fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.
CVS has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties.
In a statement Thursday, CVS Caremark vowed its commitment to a “safe work environment for its employees” and to work with OSHA to resolve the matter.
