OSHA fines Pier 1 Imports for safety violations at area warehouses

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Pier 1 Imports $86,100 for safety violations at two Fort Worth-area distribution centers.

In a news release issued Monday, OSHA said it cited the Fort Worth-based home furnishings retailer for two serious violations at its Fort Worth distribution center on Trinity Boulevard. According to the citations, forklift operators “were not trained, evaluated and certified by persons who have the knowledge, training and experience to train them, exposing the employees … to hazards.”

A third serious violation was cited at the the company’s Mansfield location on Heritage Parkway involving damaged storage racks that exposed employees to “falling objects and struck-by hazards.”

OSHA said it began the inspection after being notified that an electric pallet jack had struck an employee who was subsequently hospitalized.

“Pier 1 Imports exposed workers to hazardous but preventable conditions and ultimately jeopardized the safety of their workers in doing so,” said Jack Rector, OSHA’s area director in Fort Worth. “This complaint and report of a hospitalization have identified continual hazards which require immediate corrective action to prevent further injuries.”

In a statement, Pier 1 said the safety of its employees is “of the utmost importance.”

“We strive to ensure that our associates have a safe work environment.” the company said. “Pier 1 Imports is fully cooperating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding the recent matter. We are not able to share any additional information at this time.”

OSHA said Pier 1 has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent review commission.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 2:38 PM with the headline "OSHA fines Pier 1 Imports for safety violations at area warehouses."