Adidas America Faces Nearly $400K in Penalties for Uncorrected Fall Hazards at New York Warehouse

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Adidas America Inc., a subsidiary of the global sportswear giant Adidas AG, is facing significant penalties from the U.S. Department of Labor after failing to correct serious safety violations at its warehouse in Chester, Orange County, New York. The company, known worldwide for its athletic footwear and apparel, now owes $396,377 in additional fines for not addressing recurring fall hazards that were initially identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2021.

Unresolved Safety Violations: A Persistent Hazard

The penalties stem from a follow-up inspection conducted by OSHA in January 2024, which revealed that Adidas had not taken the necessary steps to rectify previously cited safety issues. The original inspection in 2021 had uncovered significant fall hazards, including the absence of required guardrails on a mezzanine and an improperly extended ladder, which exposed employees to dangerous falls of up to 10 feet. These violations resulted in Adidas being cited in March 2022, after which the company paid $17,403 in penalties and was expected to implement corrective measures.

Despite agreeing to correct these hazards, Adidas failed to provide OSHA with the required proof that the necessary safety installations—such as guardrails or equivalent protections—had been made. The follow-up inspection revealed that these critical safety violations remained unaddressed, continuing to put employees at risk of potentially fatal or disabling falls.

OSHA’s Response: Significant Penalties for Non-Compliance

OSHA Area Director Rita Young in Albany, New York, expressed the agency's frustration with Adidas America Inc.'s failure to comply with workplace safety standards. "When employers agree to correct a hazard, they must follow through and prove to OSHA that the hazards were addressed," Young stated. "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."

The $396,377 in new penalties underscores the seriousness with which OSHA views the company's non-compliance. The penalties aim to reinforce the importance of adhering to workplace safety regulations, particularly in environments like warehouses where fall hazards are common and potentially life-threatening.

Resources and Next Steps

OSHA has made available various resources to help employers like Adidas America Inc. prevent workplace injuries, particularly those related to falls, which are among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. OSHA’s Warehousing page offers solutions to prevent injuries from hazards such as forklifts, slips, trips, and falls, while the agency's Stop Falls website provides comprehensive safety information and video presentations in both English and Spanish.

As a subsidiary of Adidas AG, one of the world’s largest sportswear manufacturers headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Adidas America Inc. has a significant responsibility to ensure the safety of its employees across its facilities. The company designs and markets a wide range of athletic products, including shoes, apparel, and accessories for various demographics, and operates in a highly competitive and visible market.

Adidas America Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply with OSHA’s requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

This case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety compliance and the potential consequences of failing to meet federal safety standards. Employers are reminded that maintaining a safe work environment is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to protect their employees from preventable injuries and fatalities.

By AUTISM LATINO MAGAZINE in Association with BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP

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DATA SOURCE: Adidas America faces nearly $400K in penalties for uncorrected, recurring fall hazards found in 2021 at Orange County, New York, warehouse | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)