Off the Editor’s Desk 7-20-2022
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Do things ever change?
“Our government today is weak and in many cases almost futile. In spots it has apparently broken down from sheer-over expansion. Mobs commit acts of appalling barbarity with impunity, strikers brazenly defy orders issued by government boards. In our large cities no man is safe from the armed bandit either on the street, in his place of business or in his home. Banks are robbed in crowded business districts in the busiest hours of the day.”
Does the above message describe what is happening in our country today? Well, it is very close in my opinion. But that above quote was printed in the Glenwood City Tribune on July 20, 1922, a hundred years ago. Things have not changed; only have become a bigger problem.
I also want to talk about OSHA, the federal agency called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Over the years I have criticized them for not helping businesses come into compliance with regulations, they levy to high of fines and forfeitures, and not being a good servant to our citizens.
But after reading an article published in last weeks Baldwin Bulletin, I may soften my view of OSHA.
Apparently, according to the published report, a concern involving the Dollar General store in Baldwin, where OHSA issued them with four citations for blocking emergency routes, exits and fire extinguishers and failing to leave adequate space around electrical panels.
In a news release, OSHA inspectors responded to a referral from local fire officials last December and found emergency exit doors closed and padlocked on the inside with a bike lock and a board. Boxes of merchandise blocked the exit. In an emergency, these conditions would prevent workers and others from exiting the store through these emergency exits.
Fire officials inspected the store 11 times last year and ordered it closed six times due to hazardous conditions.
Over the years, I have questioned the amount that OSHA levies for violating regulations. But in this case, I agree with the settlement that Dollar General will pay $435,081 and correct the violations found.
I must praise the fire officials that took action to get corrections made at the Baldwin Store and hopefully the store will now be a safe spot for their customers. The action by fire officials could save lives in the event of an emergency at that store.
Dollar General, founded in 1939, operates more than 18,000 stores in 46 states.
Thanks for reading! ~Carlton