Store Cited for Locking Emergency Exits
OSHA conducted an inspection and found several instances in which emergency exit doors in the store were padlocked during working hours and emergency exit routes were obstructed by racks of clothing and boxes of stock. In addition, a cardboard baler was observed operating with its door open, thereby exposing workers to crushing hazards, an unsecured compressed gas cylinder was exposed to damage and the store lacked a continuing and effective extermination program for rats and vermin. One willful citation was issued for locked emergency exits, while one repeat citation was issued for obstructed emergency exit routes and five serious citations were issued for the remaining hazards. Proposed fines totaled $90,000. [Conway Stores Inc., the Bronx, NY, Jan. 4, 2012].
