Adidas America Reaches $235,000 Safety Settlement in New York 2025

Adidas America has reached a $235,000 settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor to resolve ongoing safety violations at one of its warehouses in upstate New York. This agreement follows a series of inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which revealed persistent hazards that put workers at risk. The settlement also requires Adidas to adopt comprehensive safety reforms across several of its facilities.

Background: OSHA Inspections and Initial Violations

The safety concerns at the Adidas warehouse began in 2021 when Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors identified missing guardrails and an unsafe ladder. These issues were considered serious fall hazards and prompted OSHA to issue citations to Adidas at that time. Despite these warnings, a follow-up inspection in 2024 found that the company had not taken adequate steps to correct the hazards previously identified. Inspectors also discovered an additional unsafe ladder violation during this visit.

Details of the Settlement Agreement

The settlement, finalized on May 30, 2025, is more than just a financial penalty. Adidas America has committed to a series of enhanced abatement measures intended to create safer workplaces for its employees. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the agreement requires Adidas to:

• Pay $235,000 in penalties for the violations.

• Implement a comprehensive Safety and Health Management program at its facilities in New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico.

• Retrain employees on recognizing and avoiding fall hazards.

• Conduct thorough assessments and audits of potential fall hazards at each facility.

• Discontinue the use of overhead storage in all affected locations.

U.S. Department of Labor said:
“The May 30, 2025, settlement requires Adidas to implement enhanced abatement measures at its facilities in New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, including adopting a comprehensive Safety and Health Management program, retraining employees on fall hazards, assessing and auditing potential fall hazards at each facility, and discontinuing use of overhead storage in the facilities.”

Company Response and Immediate Actions

Adidas Media Relations Manager Sophie LeRoux said that the company has taken “immediate action” to ensure that specific retail locations and off-storage facilities meet OSHA requirements. She also clarified that “no injuries or incidents necessitated these measures,” highlighting Adidas’s commitment to addressing the issues proactively.

The Importance of Workplace Safety

This settlement highlights the critical importance of maintaining safe working conditions, especially in warehouse environments where fall hazards are among the leading causes of workplace injuries. OSHA’s continued vigilance and enforcement actions serve as a reminder to all employers about the necessity of complying with federal safety standards. The agency provides resources such as its Warehousing and Stop Falls websites to help employers and workers prevent injuries from falls and related hazards.

Broader Implications for Adidas and the Industry

The agreement has implications beyond the financial penalty. By mandating comprehensive safety reforms, the settlement sets a precedent for how large employers should respond to repeated safety violations. Adidas’s commitment to retraining employees and discontinuing risky overhead storage practices demonstrates a shift toward a more proactive safety culture.

The settlement also sends a clear message to other companies in the warehousing and logistics sector about the consequences of failing to address workplace hazards. OSHA’s actions reinforce the idea that ongoing compliance is essential, and that unresolved violations can lead to significant penalties and mandatory operational changes.

Conclusion

The $235,000 settlement between Adidas America and the U.S. Department of Labor marks a significant step toward improving workplace safety at the company’s facilities. With enhanced abatement measures, retraining, and a renewed focus on hazard assessment, Adidas is taking concrete steps to protect its workforce and comply with federal safety standards. This case serves as an important reminder of the ongoing responsibility employers have to maintain safe and healthy work environments for all employees.