A Guess? Factory store at the Foxwoods Casino in Marshantucket, Conn., gambled and lost.
The store at a Tangier Outlet Mall was hoping OSHA would not visit them for an unplanned visit, but the business was recently cited for repeatedly blocking emergency exits.
A blocked emergency exit and improperly stored stock put the employees of the Guess? Factory Store at risk of burns, lacerations and being struck by falling objects, an investigation by the OSHA has found.
Responding to a complaint, OSHA began an inspection on March 3, 2016, and found the employer allowed the following hazardous conditions:
- Obstruction of the store’s emergency exit route by boxes containing clothes, shoes andgov hangers, as well as by a folding table.
- Blocked access to electrical panels that power the store’s operations by several boxes of clothing and hangers, eight storage shelves and two extension ladders.
- Unsafe stacking of boxes of hangers, shoes and accessories in the storage room and in the bathroom were in danger of toppling onto employees.
“These were obvious and easily preventable conditions that placed store employees needlessly at risk,” said Warren Simpson, OSHA’s area director in Hartford. “Overstocking and improper stocking of goods prevents employees from exiting* the workplace swiftly and safely in the event of a fire or other emergency. This is not the first time that Guess? has been cited for blocked access. To ensure the well-being of its employees, Guess? must effectively address these issues at all its locations.”
OSHA has cited Guess? for two repeat violations, one serious violation and one other than serious violation of workplace safety standards and proposed fines totaling $65,000. The repeat violations stem from similar violations cited in 2013 at the Guess? Jersey Gardens Mall store in Linden, New Jersey. The other-than-serious violation is for the Foxwoods store’s failure to post a notice* informing employees of their rights to a safe and healthful workplace and to contact OSHA with questions and concerns.
Los Angeles-based Guess? has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
One simple solution to this kind of issue could be installing visual floor marking tape and signs to indicate areas that have to be kept clear.
InSite Solutions Superior Mark™ Exit Marking Kit offers a fast and effective product that can save lives – and money you’d have to spend to pay OSHA fines.
The nine-piece kit is comprised of a border with puzzle cut mitered ends, and 5 diagonal internal pieces of varying lengths that complete the diagonal pattern within the borders of the exit marking kit. This kit clearly marks all exit doors and decreases the potential for exits being obstructed.
The Superior Mark™ Exit Marking Kit is a great alternative to painting. Facility operations can resume immediately upon completing installation of this kit, which takes minutes to install, versus painting which requires the area to be closed off from all activity for a minimum of 8 hours. The easy nine-piece kit creates eye catching floor marking pattern to keep exits clear and visible.
We encourage you to compare:
OSHA fines – $65,000. Superior Mark™ Exit Marking Kit – $66.15.
OSHA fines – $65,000. Superior Mark™ Electrical Panel Kit – $70.13
You do the math.
