Target Fined Following Tragic Workplace Accident in Burlington, MA
Burlington, MA — Target Corporation has been fined $176,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a tragic workplace incident that led to the death of a 45-year-old employee earlier this year. The accident occurred on February 14 when the employee, designated as the "ship to store manager," fell seven feet from a powered industrial vehicle, known as a wave lift, while attempting to cut plastic straps off new boxes inside the Cambridge Street store.
According to OSHA’s report, the employee exited the basket of the lift to perform his task, resulting in the fatal fall onto a concrete floor due to head trauma. When he stepped out, safety protocols, including an "audible beeping" alarm that should activate if the lift was elevated over 22 inches, were reportedly disabled. Fire department responders confirmed that someone had disengaged the alarm before the incident occurred. Additionally, the vehicle remained in a raised position with one of its doors open after the fall.
OSHA’s investigation led to Target being fined for multiple safety violations, including $113,000 for not keeping exit routes clear, $1,000 for failing to inspect industrial trucks before use, and $62,000 for not protecting employees working at elevated heights—a concern previously cited to Target in 2019.
In a statement, a Target spokesperson expressed deep sadness for the incident and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to employee safety, stating they implement extensive safety measures and collaborate with regulatory authorities to uphold safety standards. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety protocols, which will likely lead to further scrutiny and discussions within the industry.
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