U.S. Department of Labor Accuses Dollar General of Putting Its Workers at Risk, Proposing More Than $300,000 in Penalties Since 2016, the department has proposed more than $3.3 million in penalties for Dollar General locations across the country.

By Chloe Arrojado Edited by Amanda Breen

A press release from the U.S. Department of Labor announced a scathing accusation against Dollar General.

On Monday, the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed $321,827 in penalties for the nation's largest discount retailer after finding three repeat violations.

"Dollar General has a long history of disregarding safety measures to prevent serious injury or death in the event of a fire or other emergency," says Doug Parker, assistant secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. "This company's troubled history of workplace safety violations must come to an end, and OSHA will make every effort to hold them accountable for their failures."

Related: Family Dollar Workers Walk Out on the Job, Leaving Store to Shutter: 'Sorry for the Inconvenience'

Since 2016, the department has proposed more than $3.3 million in penalties in 54 inspections at Dollar General locations nationwide. The retailer's violations over the years have included blocked electrical panels, obstructed exits, forklift, housekeeping and sanitation violations.

However, the retailer's low-cost business model may have even more insidious effects. According to CNN, multiple store employees and law-enforcement officials have said that the company fails to protect workers from violent crimes, like robberies.

The company has been given 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to either comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Related: 2 Great Stocks to Buy in December for Long-Term Growth

Chloe Arrojado

Entrepreneur Staff

Editorial Assistant

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Science & Technology

39% of Your Skills Will be Obsolete in 5 Years — Here Are 6 Skills You Will Need to Adapt and Thrive

AI agents are transforming business — adapt or be left behind.

Side Hustle

'Over $100,000 a Month': His Spicy Side Hustle Became a Full-Time Business and Hit 7-Figure Revenue — Here's How He Did It

Brock Giles, 36, started a business inspired by his childhood filled with "food, cooking and entertaining."

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

How AI Is Transforming the SEO Playbook — and What Businesses Must Do to Ensure Long-Term Relevance and Visibility

As AI-driven search evolves, traditional keyword SEO is giving way to entity optimization, a smarter, intent-driven approach that prioritizes relationships and context. Learn how entity SEO is reshaping search and why it's the key to staying competitive in an AI-powered world.