July 18, 2016 – OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the U.S. has cited Macy’s department store in Aventura, Fla. for exposing employees to risks due to repeated violations related to electric shock hazards and other safety hazards.

OSHA says it initiated an inspection on Jan. 15, 2016, after receiving a complaint concerning several workplace injuries, and issued 14 health and safety violations to Macy’s as well as The Finish Line—an athletic footwear, apparel and accessories retailer that rents space in Macy’s stores.

Combined, Macy’s and The Finish Line face $103,220 in penalties.

“Macy’s continues to ignore OSHA standards and previously cited violations that relate to blocked emergency exits and access to electrical disconnect panels that puts employees at risk of serious injury or death,” said Condell Eastmond, OSHA’s area director in Fort Lauderdale. “The retailer has a long inspection history and is aware that all of its facilities’ exits must remain unobstructed so that employees can safely escape in the event of an emergency.”

OSHA issued three repeated citations for:

• Allowing access to electrical disconnect switches to be blocked with metal racks, boxes and a ladder,
• Exposing workers to electric shock hazards by using flexible cable instead of fixed wiring, and
• Exposing employees to fire hazards due to exit routes not being clearly marked.