Trader Joe’s in Colorado faces OSHA fine for worker safety

A Trader Joe’s in Greenwood Village, Colo., is facing a fine of over $200,000 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for violating worker safety regulations, and it’s not the first time the retailer has been cited over similar issues.

During a December 2023 inspection at the Colorado location, OSHA found safety hazards associated with forklift training and maintenance. The store was also cited for repeatedly blocking and rendering electrical equipment inaccessible with boxes.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Trader Joe’s violated the same forklift standards in three prior OSHA inspections in Pennsylvania, Maine, and Massachusetts. Stores in Maine, New York, and New Jersey have also been caught blocking electrical equipment.

Trader Joe’s has not responded to a request for comment in time for publication of this story.

“Employers must comply with all federal safety standards, including forklift training and keeping areas around electrical equipment clear to help prevent serious injuries and fatal incidents,” said OSHA Area Director for Englewood, Colo., Chad Vivian. “We will continue to cite companies that fail to implement the measures necessary to protect their employees from these hazards.”