Sportswear giant Adidas is facing more fines over workplace safety at a warehouse in Chester, New York
The company was fined $17, 403 in 2021 for failings at the site and now faces an additional fine of $396,377. standards.
Background: Initial Inspection and Violations
The company’s troubles began with an initial inspection conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2021. During this inspection, OSHA identified several critical safety violations.
These included no guardrails on the mezzanine, and employees using a ladder that did not extend three feet above the landing, as required. These conditions exposed employees to the risk of falling from heights of up to ten feet, posing severe injury threats.
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Follow-Up Inspection: Unresolved Hazards
In January 2024, OSHA conducted a follow-up inspection to ensure Adidas had rectified the previously cited safety violations. This inspection was prompted by the company’s failure to submit the necessary documentation proving that the required safety measures had been implemented. Inspectors discovered the company had not made the necessary corrections. The absence of guardrails and the unsafe ladder continued to endanger employees, leading to further penalties.
Consequences: Increased Penalties and Accountability
OSHA’s response to these ongoing safety violations was to impose additional penalties amounting to $396,377. T
Rita Young, OSHA Area Director in Albany, New York, emphasized the importance of compliance with safety agreements.
She said:
“When employers agree to correct a hazard, they must follow through and prove to OSHA that the hazards were addressed. Adidas America Inc. failed to do so, continued to expose their employees to potentially deadly and disabling injuries, and are now liable for additional and sizable OSHA penalties.”
