Home › Ohio › Akron

Source: OSHA, DOL WHD, EPA ECHO, CFPB. Data covers most recent 5 years of federal enforcement records.

Federal Enforcement Profile: Akron

Over the past five years, Akron's enforcement landscape reveals a relatively moderate level of regulatory activity across federal agencies, with a combined total of 165 violations resulting in approximately $590,918 in penalties. The enforcement data indicates that the city experiences a spectrum of disputes, primarily involving workplace safety, wage enforcement, and consumer complaints. The high heat score of 49/10 suggests a significant presence of regulatory oversight, emphasizing ongoing issues that residents and employers should be aware of.

Workplace Safety Violations and Fatalities

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified only four violations within Akron, leading to $16,718 in penalties. Notably, there has been one fatality linked to OSHA violations, underscoring the potential severity of workplace safety issues faced by workers in the area. The top violator—a local business—received two violations amounting to $10,641 in penalties, highlighting isolated but significant safety concerns at specific manufacturing sites. a local business and Tri County Pallet Management have also been cited, though with fewer violations and relatively modest penalties.

This data suggests that while OSHA enforcement is limited in scope, safety issues still pose a tangible risk to workers in Akron. The presence of fatalities and violations indicates ongoing challenges in ensuring workplace safety compliance, particularly in certain industries like manufacturing and construction.

Wage and Worker Rights Enforcement

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) activity in Akron manifests primarily through wage enforcement cases, totaling 13 over the last five years, with a combined back wage restitution of $114,304 affecting 82 workers. The most notable cases involve companies such as McNeil & NRM, which owed $67,295 in back wages, and El Rincon Mexican Restaurant, with $24,074 owed to employees. Other businesses, including Kintaro Restaurant and Highland Square Nursing & Rehabilitation, also appear on the list, suggesting ongoing issues related to fair wage practices and worker rights enforcement.

This pattern indicates that wage disputes are a common concern in Akron, particularly affecting vulnerable workers in the service and healthcare sectors. The enforcement actions point to underlying challenges in ensuring timely and complete compensation for employees, which can foster disputes and labor unrest if unaddressed.

Consumer Dispute Resolution and Environmental Enforcement

While the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reports a substantial volume of 248,242 consumer complaints at the state level, there are no recorded EPA enforcement actions or penalties within Akron over the past five years. This may imply that consumer disputes, potentially ranging from financial issues to product or service grievances, are predominantly resolved without federal enforcement intervention, or that environmental violations are less prevalent in the region.

Implications for Akron Residents

Residents involved in disputes should be aware that enforcement efforts are concentrated primarily around workplace safety and wage issues. While OSHA enforcement appears limited, the existence of fatality cases emphasizes the importance of vigilance in occupational settings. Wage disputes impacting hundreds of workers highlight ongoing labor rights concerns, especially in industries like hospitality and manufacturing. Consumer complaints at the state level suggest that residents face a broad range of consumer issues, although these are not typically targeted by federal enforcement agencies.

Overall, Akron's enforcement landscape underscores the importance for residents to remain informed of their rights and protections in employment and consumer matters, while also recognizing areas where regulatory oversight is actively addressing concerns—albeit within a modest scope.

Fight Your Dispute for $399

Professionally prepared arbitration case packets for Akron residents.

Start Your Case

Court litigation averages $14,000+ · 30-day money-back guarantee

Consumer Disputes

Employment Disputes

Contract Disputes

Business Disputes

Insurance Disputes

Real Estate Disputes

Family Disputes

Data Sources: OSHA federal inspection records, DOL Wage & Hour enforcement, EPA ECHO enforcement actions, CFPB consumer complaint database, IRS Statistics of Income, ACS Census data. Enforcement data covers the most recent 5 years.

Disclosure: BMA Law is a dispute documentation and arbitration preparation platform. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice or representation.