The DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that two stores exposed its staff to fire hazards and other dangerous conditions, a release notes. This latest proposed fine is in line with a long track record of the national discount chain’s neglect over worker safety that has resulted in it having more than $21 million in proposed fines following more than 243 inspections across the country since 2017.

The OSHA inspection at one store revealed that exit routes were obstructed, including an emergency exit, as well as electrical hazards and a non-working restroom for employees.

From February 1, 2022 to April 20 this year, OSHA inspectors called for nearly $10 million in proposed penalties in Alabama, Florida and Georgia stores following more than 30 investigations.

“After more than 200 failed inspections, Dollar General cannot claim that they misunderstand federal safety requirements. At this point, we can only conclude that they choose to continue exposing their employees to hazardous conditions,” said OSHA area director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida. “Dollar General must make changes to correct these recurring violations before a worker is needlessly injured or worse.”