Discounter Big Lots faces safety fines

Discounter Big Lots Stores Inc. faces a $169,000 fine for “repeat and serious” safety violations at its West Babylon store, a federal agency said Monday.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it is proposing the fines for a number of violations that include blocked aisles and exit routes and improperly stacked boxes. The agency also said the Columbus, Ohio-based retailer failed to mark exit routes properly.

No one was injured, but OSHA said it had cited the company earlier for similar hazards in three other states.

After receiving citations, companies have 15 business days to contest OSHA’s findings. Big Lots executives couldn’t be reached for comment.