Snippets of security-camera footage from a Dollar General store in Jacksonville reveal a cluttered and obstructed environment that may have hindered escape routes during a shooting incident. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now conducting a full investigation into the Dollar General location to determine if corporate negligence contributed to the deadly attack. On August 26, a 21-year-old white shooter targeted the store located in Jacksonville’s historic Black neighborhood and killed three people. OSHA’s investigation is examining the store’s safety conditions more broadly than standard shooting-death investigations, which could result in potential penalties. Dollar General has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the investigation.
The security footage shows that the store’s cluttered state could be a factor in OSHA’s probe, as blocked exits and congested walkways are against the law. Dollar General has been cited numerous times by OSHA for similar safety violations, leading to its designation as a “severe violator” since 2022. A workplace safety professor noted that Dollar General’s inclusion as one of the worst violators is significant and indicates a need for improvement in the company’s safety culture.
Additional security footage released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) shows law enforcement entering the Dollar General from a separate entry at the loading dock. Officers encountered obstacles such as metal carts and stacked boxes, which created tight walkways. The footage concludes with officers seeking cover behind the cluttered checkout desk, at which point the shooter killed himself.
Nick Nichols, the workplace safety professor, expressed concern about the clutter in the store, stating that while it could provide cover for law enforcement in a shooting situation, it could also trap victims. OSHA requires employers to report worker deaths and conducts investigations based on the inspector’s findings. A “complete” scope investigation, as in this case, is more comprehensive and allows for a thorough examination of the entire workplace.
Dollar General has faced significant fines from OSHA for workplace safety violations in recent years, amounting to over $21 million since 2017. Almost half of these penalties were imposed in the last 10 months alone. The company has contested most, if not all, of the open violations against it. OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program was implemented last year to address employers who consistently demonstrate indifference to employee health and safety.
Overall, the security-camera footage from the Dollar General store in Jacksonville reveals a cluttered and obstructed environment that could have hindered responses during a shooting incident. OSHA’s investigation will determine if corporate negligence played a role, and the agency has the authority to impose penalties based on its findings. Dollar General has a history of safety violations and has been designated as a “severe violator” by OSHA. The company has not yet responded to inquiries about the investigation.
