This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
ISHN logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
ISHN logo
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Editions
    • Archives
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Subscribe
  • Topics
    • Environment
    • Environmental Health and Safety
    • Government Regulations
    • Health
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Occupational Safety
    • PPE
    • Product Case Studies
    • Psychology
    • Safety Culture
    • Training
    • Transportation Safety
    • More Topics
  • Construction
  • Oil & Gas
  • Columns
    • Editorial Comments
    • Best Practices
    • Positive Cultures
    • Training Strategies
    • Closing Time
    • FR Protection
    • Thought Leadership
  • Products
  • Conventions
    • Convention Companion
  • Multimedia
    • eBooks
    • Infographics
    • Photo Galleries
    • ISHN Podcasts
    • Your Digital Mentor Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • ISHN YouTube Videos
  • More
    • Awards
      • 2020 Readers' Choice Awards- Submit Products
    • eNewsletters
    • Events
    • ISHN Store
    • Product Case Studies
    • Product Innovations
    • Showrooms
    • Vendor News
  • Advertise
    • Contact
Home » Falling boxes send Big Lots employee to hospital
Facility SafetyToday's News

Falling boxes send Big Lots employee to hospital

OSHA enforcement
October 15, 2015
KEYWORDS occupational injury / OSHA violations / struck-by / workplace accidents
Reprints

Injuries to an assistant manager of a Massachusetts Big Lots store prompted a visit by OSHA inspectors, who found numerous hazards at the facility.

The employee was hospitalized after boxes of patio furniture and other stock, weighing up to 53 pounds each, fell and struck him in the store’s rear stockroom.

Exposure to fractures, being trapped

OSHA inspectors saw numerous boxes of stock were stacked high and in an unstable condition throughout the Danver store storeroom. In addition, the storeroom’s aisles were clogged by boxes of stock, broken wooden pallets, plastic wrap, packing materials and pieces of cardboard. These conditions exposed employees to fractures, broken bones, concussion, sprains and other injuries as well as to being trapped or unable to exit the storeroom swiftly in the event of a fire.

“Every workplace-including a retail store-has potential hazards. Unsafely stacked stock resulted in serious and avoidable injuries for this Big Lots employee. For the safety and well-being of all its employees, Big Lots must promptly and effectively address these hazards at all its locations to prevent future injuries,” said Anthony Covello, OSHA’s acting area director in Andover.

Similar hazards at other  Big Lots stores

OSHA cited* Big Lots Stores Inc. for two repeated violations on Oct. 2, 2015. It had cited the company in 2014 for similar hazards at its West Babylon, New York, and Warner Robins, Georgia, locations. Big Lots Stores Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Proposed penalties: $66,000

Subscribe to ISHN Magazine

Related Articles

Falling boxes endanger Dollar Tree employees

Torch sets off inferno, sends four workers to hospital

Chemical release sends hundreds to hospital

Subscribe For Free!
  • Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • ISHN eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Today's News

2 young part-time UPS workers killed in California

Today's News

Steel worker injured at Indiana plant

crystal ball

Safety and health trends for 2020

Tesla

Report finds worker injuries are “routine” at Tesla’s Nevada plant

Lendlease

Humorous workplace safety campaign features mothers

ISHN Readers' Choice Awards 2020 product submissions


Events

March 7, 2019

Safety and Wellness: The Combination that Drives Engagement and Profitability

On Demand Attend this webinar for the keys to success, as well as mistakes to avoid, when targeting safety and wellness with a Recognition & Reward Program.

View All Submit An Event

ISHN Podcasts


ISHN Podcasts

ISHN Magazine

ISHN1219_cover.jpg

2019 December

Among the articles in the December 2019 issue of ISHN Magazine, we have expert insight on selecting the right respirator, a link to the 2020 Buyers’ & Resource Guide, 10 safety mistakes that can land you in a courtroom, and much more.
View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • List Rental
    • Safety A-Z
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Web Exclusives
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • Subscribe
    • Survey And Sample

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing