OSHA cites Lowe’s Home Centers Inc. in Killeen, Texas, for exposing workers to electrical, other safety hazards

KILLEEN, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Lowe’s Home Centers Inc. with three serious and two repeat safety violations for exposing workers to electrical and other safety hazards following an inspection at the Killeen retail store. OSHA began its inspection of the South W.S. Young Drive store in September as part of the agency’s Site-Specific Targeting Program, which directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where high injury and illness rates occur. Proposed penalties total $55,000.

The serious violations were cited for failing to illuminate exit signs, protect exposed lamps from possible breakage or contact and guard electrical receptacles with exposed current-carrying parts. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The repeat violations were for failing to mount fire extinguishers and guard or cover exposed live parts on fluorescent lamp holders. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. A similar violation was cited in 2009 at the Holmdel, N.J., retail store.

via 2012 – 12/19/2012 – US Labor Department’s OSHA cites Lowe’s Home Centers Inc. in Killeen, Texas, for exposing workers to electrical, other safety hazards.