Dollar General's $12M OSHA Settlement: What It Means for Your Workplace Safety Rights

The $12M Settlement: What Happened

In July 2024, Dollar General agreed to pay $12 million to resolve years of alleged workplace safety violations. This is one of the largest retail safety settlements in OSHA history. The settlement addressed hundreds of citations for blocked emergency exits, unsafe storage, and fire hazards across thousands of stores nationwide.

It’s important to note: Dollar General did not admit wrongdoing as part of this settlement. Like many companies, Dollar General settled to resolve ongoing disputes and avoid further litigation. From 2017 to 2024, OSHA assessed the company over $26 million in proposed penalties, and Dollar General was placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP)—a designation for employers with repeated, serious violations. Being on this list means OSHA will conduct follow-up inspections and the company faces higher penalties for future violations.

If you work at Dollar General, this settlement means your reports of unsafe conditions are likely to be taken more seriously. The company is under heightened federal scrutiny, and OSHA is watching closely.

Common Safety Violations at Dollar General

OSHA inspections have repeatedly cited Dollar General for similar hazards. Recognizing these patterns can help you spot risks in your own store and know what to report.

• Blocked emergency exits: Merchandise stacked in front of exit doors, boxes blocking pathways, or locked exits during business hours. In an emergency, these blockages could trap workers and customers inside.

• Fire hazards: Fire extinguishers blocked by stock, merchandise stored too close to electrical panels, overloaded outlets, and combustible materials near heat sources.

• Unsafe storage practices: Heavy items on high shelves, unsecured boxes, and cluttered aisles that increase the risk of falls or injuries.

Many of these hazards are linked to understaffing. When only one or two employees are running a store, it’s difficult to keep exits clear, stock safely, and serve customers. The pressure to move freight quickly can lead to corners being cut on safety. This is a systemic issue, not a failure of individual workers.

If you see these conditions, you’re not alone—these are exactly the types of hazards OSHA has cited at Dollar General stores nationwide.

Your Rights Under OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Act gives you specific rights that Dollar General cannot take away. Knowing these rights is the first step to protecting yourself and your coworkers.

Your key OSHA rights:

• Safe workplace: Employers must provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards” under the General Duty Clause.

• Report hazards: You can report to management, corporate, or OSHA without fear of punishment.

• Request inspections: You can ask OSHA to inspect your workplace.

• Access information: You can request OSHA citations, injury records, and hazard information.

• Refuse dangerous work: In limited, imminent danger situations.

• Freedom from retaliation: It’s illegal to punish you for exercising these rights.

You have the right to report hazards to your manager, Dollar General’s corporate safety line, or directly to OSHA. You can file an anonymous complaint—your name will not be shared with Dollar General. The right to refuse dangerous work is limited to situations where you reasonably believe you face imminent death or serious injury, you’ve asked the company to fix the hazard, and there’s no time to use normal channels.

If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to report and ask questions than to ignore a hazard.

What the Settlement Requires

The 2024 settlement isn’t just about paying fines—it changes Dollar General’s obligations and gives you more leverage as an employee.

Key settlement terms:

• Fix blocked exits or fire extinguisher access within 48 hours of discovery.

• Fines up to $500,000 per violation if problems recur.

• Reduce inventory levels to prevent blocked exits.

• Provide safety training to leadership and employees.

• Develop safety committees with employee participation.

• Submit to enhanced OSHA monitoring for years.

If you see blocked exits or fire hazards, Dollar General is now required to act quickly. Your reports should result in faster corrections, and the company faces severe penalties for non-compliance. This is real leverage for workers—your voice matters more than ever.

How to Report Unsafe Conditions

Reporting hazards is a protected right, and many workplace improvements start with one person speaking up. If you’re concerned about retaliation, you can report anonymously.

Before reporting:

• Document the hazard if you can do so safely. Take photos only if it won’t put you at risk of discipline.

• Note the date, time, and location.

• Write a description while details are fresh.

Internal reporting:

• Start with your store manager. Many issues can be resolved at this level, especially now that Dollar General is under scrutiny.

• If your manager doesn’t act, escalate to your district manager or use the corporate safety hotline.

• Always put concerns in writing and keep copies.

Filing an OSHA complaint:

• If internal reporting doesn’t work, or you prefer, file a complaint at www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint, call 1-800-321-OSHA, or visit your local OSHA office.

• You can choose a formal (on-site inspection) or informal (phone/letter) complaint, and you can file anonymously.

• Include as much detail as possible: store address, hazard description, how long it’s existed, internal reports, and any injuries.

OSHA investigates complaints, but not all hazards result in citations. Patterns and strong documentation increase the chance of action, especially given Dollar General’s SVEP status.

Protection Against Retaliation

It’s illegal for Dollar General to retaliate against you for reporting safety concerns, filing an OSHA complaint, participating in an inspection, or refusing dangerous work (when justified). Retaliation can be obvious or subtle—reduced hours, unfavorable schedules, demotion, write-ups, or hostile treatment.

If your treatment changes after reporting, document everything: dates, times, what was said, and witnesses. File a whistleblower complaint with OSHA within 30 days—this deadline is strict. Some states may allow longer for other types of claims, but don’t delay.

The Understaffing Problem

Chronic understaffing is a root cause of many safety issues at Dollar General. When you’re working alone or with minimal help, it’s nearly impossible to keep exits clear, stock safely, and serve customers. If you can’t maintain safe conditions due to staffing, document the connection—note dates, hazards you couldn’t address, and any injuries or near-misses. When reporting to OSHA, explain how understaffing creates or worsens hazards.

Workers’ Compensation If You’re Injured

If you’re injured at Dollar General due to unsafe conditions, report the injury to your manager immediately. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries. Document the hazard, get witness names, and keep records.

Dollar General must provide workers’ compensation insurance in every state. You’re entitled to medical treatment and wage replacement. Filing a workers’ comp claim is your right, and you cannot be fired for doing so. Workers’ comp is separate from OSHA complaints—you can and should file both if appropriate.

State-by-State Differences

OSHA sets federal minimums, but some states (like California, Washington, Michigan) have their own occupational safety programs with stricter standards and additional protections. Check if your state has a “state plan” at www.osha.gov/stateplans. State timelines and protections may differ, so it’s worth checking your local rules.

Before Making Decisions, Review:

• Have I documented the hazard with dates and times?

• Have I reported to my manager and kept copies?

• Do I know how to file an OSHA complaint?

• Am I within the 30-day deadline for retaliation claims?

• Am I documenting any changes in treatment after reporting?

Empower Yourself

Dollar General’s $12 million settlement shows that OSHA takes safety seriously and that workers have power when they speak up. The company is under enhanced scrutiny, so your reports matter more than ever.

You have the right to a safe workplace. If Dollar General isn’t providing one, you have legal options to protect yourself and your coworkers. Many workers have successfully used OSHA complaints to force improvements, and the settlement means the company faces severe penalties for ignoring your concerns.

Don’t accept unsafe conditions as normal. Document what you see, report through proper channels, and know that the law is on your side.

Caira can help. She’s delightful to chat to.

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This information is for educational purposes and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Workplace safety law is complex and fact-specific. Outcomes vary depending on the evidence submitted and its strength.