Wal-Mart labor settlement calls for safety fixes at 2,857 stores

Washington, D.C. -- In a settlement agreement with the U.S. Labor Department, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to improve safety conditions for employees who use trash compactors and cleaning chemicals at 2,857 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in 28 states.



The retailer will also pay a $190,000 fine to fix hazards uncovered during an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection at a store in Rochester, N.Y.



The agreement covers those stores that follow federal OSHA standards; the remaining states, which operate their own OSHA inspection programs, could negotiate similar agreements.



Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove said the company immediately addressed the problems as soon as it was made aware of them. "We have long-standing policies and training requirements in our stores designed to ensure the safety of our associates," Hargrove said.