Dollar General has reached a settlement with the Department of Labor to improve safety measures in its stores and pay $12 million in penalties for exposing low-wage employees to dangerous working conditions. The discount chain has a history of worker deaths and safety violations, prompting protests and fines from regulators. To address these issues, Dollar General will hire safety managers, provide training, and establish safety committees. The company will also reduce merchandise levels to prevent blocked fire exits. Failure to correct safety violations promptly could result in hefty fines. The Department of Labor hopes these changes will ensure that employees can work safely and return home healthy. This settlement resolves past inspections and aims to prevent future safety issues at Dollar General stores. Their low-cost business model has contributed to their rapid growth, but has also led to understaffing and safety concerns in their numerous small stores across the United States.