Pier 1 Location Fined For Repeat Safety Violations

A Piers 1 Imports located on Staten Island is facing a substantial fine for exposing workers to unsafe working conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced yesterday that the chain made five safety violations, including two repeats, resulting in a fine of $45,100.

The two repeat violations included obstructing the space in front of electrical panels and failing to provide a clear exit route. The two violations carried a penalty of $28,600. A Pier 1 Imports located in Acton, MA faced similar issues two years ago.

The three remaining violations amounted to a total of $16,500. Pier 1 Imports was cited with failing to properly store materials, keep storage areas free of hazards, and train workers on chemical hazards. These are considered serious violations because they can easily result in the serious injury or death of an employee.

“Pier 1 Imports has demonstrated a disregard for their workers’ safety by failing to correct hazards previously brought to their attention,” Patricia Jones, Director of OSHA’s Avenel, N.J., Area Office, said. “Employers are responsible for ensuring employees have a safe and healthy work environment.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration operates under the US Department of Labor and is tasked with ensuring safe working conditions by setting and enforcing standards. The agency formed in 1971 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Pier 1 Imports is a global importer of home furnishings and decor based in Forth Worth, TX. The company was founded in 1962 and now employs roughly 17,000 employees across 1,000 Pier 1 locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.