OSHA inspectors audited Forever 21 locations in Paramus and Manhattan in July after receiving complaints alleging violations. The results of those audits have come in, with proposed penalties to Forever 21 in the amount of $236,500. These fines were for six repeat citations and one serious citation.

The repeat citations, which are citations issued when a substantially similar violation is found at any other facilities owned by the same employer within the previous 5 years, were for: obstructed exit routes, fluorescent lights with no covers, a fire extinguisher that was not mounted and readily accessible, and stored material that was not secured against sliding or collapsing. The obstructed exit routes and fluorescent lights with no covers were citations at both facilities, while the other two were only at the Paramus location.

The serious citation, which is a citation issued when there is “substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have know, of the hazard,” was issued because the Manhattan store was not kept clean and orderly.

This is a prime example of why companies need to have all of their facilities audited by professional third party occupational health and safety experts. Many employers do not think of retail spaces as a place where OSHA will come knocking to audit, but it is important to remember that OSHA will take complaints anywhere you have employees working.

If you have any questions about third party safety and health auditing, please contact us. And if you have anything to add about the importance of third party safety audits, please leave a comment.