Institutional and commercial facilities of all kinds face a host of challenges when it comes to ensuring workers and visitors are protected from threats to safety and health, which can range from hazardous materials and trip hazards to fire and shootings. For the owners of one popular convenience store, the challenge of shootings has become an ongoing issue.
A subsidiary of one of the world's best-known operators of convenience stores and fueling stations could have prevented a store cashier in Orlando from suffering a serious gunshot injury by following the company's own established safety procedures, a U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found.
OSHA inspectors learned that two men entered a Circle K store shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2024, pointed guns and screamed at the cashier to open the register. As the employee moved back from the register, one of the assailants shot the employee.
"People employed by late or all-night businesses, such as gas stations, convenience stores and drive-through fast food restaurants face a high probability of violent incidents as few witnesses, accessible cash, poorly lit stores and darkened parking areas often attract dangerous thieves," says Erin Sanchez, OSHA’s area director in Orlando.
OSHA cited Circle K Stores Inc. with one serious violation for failing to provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The agency has proposed $16,131 in penalties. The company has contested the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
A review of OSHA investigations of Circle K locations since 2014 finds five workers suffered fatal gunshot injuries at two locations in Texas in August 2021 and December 2018, Georgia in September 2019, Florida in June 2016 and Alabama in December 2015. Most of these incidents took place in the evening or overnight.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
