SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - The Hannaford supermarket chain is settling a dispute with the federal Department of Labor with a promise to institute new worker protection standards at two distribution centers.
The labor department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Hannaford for failing to keep distribution centers in Schodack Landing, New York, and South Portland, Maine, free from hazards that can cause disorders of the muscular and skeletal systems. The citation came after inspections in 2013 and 2014.
Hannaford initially contested the citation. The labor department says on Wednesday that the company is settling and instituting new policies. The policies include hiring an ergonomist to assess both warehouses. The company will also pay $9,750 in fines.
Hannaford has more than 150 stores in five states.