The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has fined a Dollar Tree store in Vancouver just over $500,000, alleging unsafe conditions.

The Columbian reports the fine announced Thursday is one of the largest the agency has ever issued.

The agency accuses the store of having blocked emergency exit routes, unsafe ladder use and improper stacking of merchandise, among the numerous safety hazards.

The agency says a recent inspection resulted in several "repeat willful" and other violations for unsafe merchandise storage and handling, and obstructed exit routes.

A person who said she was the store manager referred questions to a spokesperson with the Chesapeake, Virginia-based corporation.

The agency says the violations continued after the company was informed of the safety hazards and was provided instruction on how to improve employee safety at the store and avoid further violations.