January 7, 2025 | Tracy, CA — MedLegalNews.com — The warehouse safety violations at Safeway’s Tracy Distribution Center have prompted the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) to cite the company with $182,000 in proposed penalties for significant safety violations. These violations endangered approximately 1,700 workers at Safeway’s Tracy facility, their largest warehouse in the nation.
Cal/OSHA’s investigation into the warehouse safety violations revealed serious lapses in worker protection, training, and hazard prevention protocols. Inspectors found multiple deficiencies, including improper handling of materials, lack of indoor heat safeguards, and inadequate ventilation systems that exposed employees to toxic substances. The violations reflect systemic workplace safety failures that highlight the growing need for stricter compliance with Cal/OSHA standards in large-scale distribution facilities.
Cal/OSHA issued citations for 27 violations, including eight serious ones, following a comprehensive inspection at Safeway’s Northern California facility.
Key Issues Uncovered During Inspection
Manual Material Handling Injuries
Safeway failed to identify and correct hazards related to lifting, carrying, and moving heavy items. The company also did not provide effective training for supervisors and workers on these risks, increasing the potential for injuries.
Recordkeeping Violations
The employer did not ensure the accuracy of annual employee injury and illness summaries. Additionally, Safeway failed to provide injury and illness recordkeeping documents to Cal/OSHA in a timely manner for review, leading to further compliance issues.
Indoor Heat Hazards
Safeway neglected to establish effective procedures for addressing indoor heat hazards in the dry building, which lacks temperature control. The company also failed to train employees adequately on the dangers of indoor heat and did not provide proper cool-down areas for workers during meal breaks.
Chemical and Health Hazards
Inadequate ventilation or exhaust systems were provided for employees welding in two buildings, posing risks of exposure to toxic substances. Furthermore, access to eye wash stations and safety showers was deficient in multiple work areas where employees handled corrosives.
Electrical Hazards
The inspection revealed multiple damaged electrical cords and unsafe electrical panelboards, creating significant risks of electrical injuries.
Training for Truck Operators
Safeway did not offer effective refresher training and evaluations for industrial truck operators. Consequently, operators lacked the necessary skills to handle trucks safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Cal/OSHA’s Statement
Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee emphasized the importance of recognizing the physical demands and potential dangers faced by warehouse workers. “Our inspection revealed that Safeway’s demanding warehouse quotas put its workers at risk of serious injury,” she stated.
Employer’s Right to Appeal
Employers have the right to appeal any Cal/OSHA citation and penalty notification by filing an appeal with the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board within 15 working days from receipt of the notification.
About Cal/OSHA
Cal/OSHA works to protect workers from health and safety hazards in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers with questions or needing assistance with workplace health and safety programs can contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Workers in California, regardless of immigration status, are protected. Those with questions about workplace safety and health can call 833-579-0927 to speak with a bilingual Cal/OSHA representative between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Confidential complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed with Cal/OSHA district offices.
For more details, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) official Newsroom.
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FAQs: Warehouse Safety Violations
What led to Cal OSHA’s warehouse safety violations against Safeway?
Cal OSHA issued citations after discovering multiple warehouse safety violations, including heat exposure, chemical hazards, and lack of proper training.
How serious are the Cal OSHA warehouse safety violations at the Tracy facility?
The violations were deemed serious, with proposed fines totaling $182,000 due to conditions that put roughly 1,700 warehouse workers at risk.
What should other employers learn from Cal OSHA’s warehouse safety violations case?
Employers should conduct routine safety inspections, ensure proper training, and comply with Cal OSHA standards to prevent similar warehouse violations.
Can Safeway appeal the Cal OSHA warehouse safety violations?
Yes. Safeway has the right to appeal the Cal OSHA citations by filing with the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board within 15 working days.