09-1154-NEW /BOS 2009-304
Tues., Sept. 22, 2009
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Toys R Us for exit access hazards at Bay Parkway store in Brooklyn, N.Y.

NEW YORK -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $69,000 in fines against Toys R Us for 10 alleged repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards following an inspection of the toy retailer's store at 8973-95 Bay Parkway in Brooklyn.

OSHA's inspection found hazards that could impede the swift exit of workers from the store in the event of a fire or other emergency. These included obstructed exit access, missing or defective exit doors, an exit door that was painted over and could not be opened, improper or inadequate exit signage, employees not trained in fire extinguisher use and all fire extinguishers not kept in their required locations.

"It is vital that emergency exit routes be available and properly marked at all times," said Kay Gee, OSHA's acting area director in Manhattan. "There can be no delay in exiting a workplace during a fire or other emergency when the difference between escape and injury or death can be measured in seconds."

The store also has been cited for damaged storage racks that were prone to collapse, aisles not kept clear for mechanical handling equipment, an inadequately covered floor hole and failure to certify that workers had been trained in the proper operation of motorized hand trucks.

OSHA has issued Toys R Us three repeat citations with $50,000 in proposed fines, for the obstructed exit route, blocked aisle and damaged storage racks, as it had cited the company in 2006 and 2007 for similar hazards at stores in Parma, Ohio, and Watchung, N.J. Seven serious citations with $19,000 in fines have been issued for the remaining items. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.

"One way to prevent recurring hazards is to implement an effective safety and health management system through which employers and employees work together continuously to assess, identify and eliminate hazardous conditions," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York.

Toys R Us has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office; telephone 212-620-3200.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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