OSHA has cited seven Trade Fair Supermarkets stores in Queens for 40 violations of workplace safety standards. The local grocery store chain faces $128,000 in proposed fines following inspections that began in March in response to complaints.

"Our inspections found a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of similar hazards in several stores. For the safety and health of its employees, Trade Fair Supermarkets must take effective action to correct these conditions at these and all its stores," said Kay Gee, OSHA's area director for Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Unguarded butchers band saws

At the seven stores, OSHA found butchers operating band saws with unguarded blades and other workers using cleaning products without protective eye gear, exposing them to lacerations, amputations and eye injuries. Four of the stores compromised swift and safe exiting during a fire or emergency because of locked or blocked exits, obstructed exit access and unilluminated or missing exit signs. These conditions resulted in the issuance of 20 serious violation citations with $122,000 in proposed fines.

No hazcom program

In addition, six stores failed to post the required annual summary of occupational illnesses and injuries. All seven stores lacked a chemical hazard communication program and training, and five stores had electrical hazards. These conditions resulted in citations for 20 other-than-serious violations with $6,000 in fines.

The citations can be viewed at https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Trade_Fair_Supermarket_Press_Release.pdf.