OSHA Cites Six Contractors for Exposing Employees to Fall and Other Hazards
$244,397 in penalties are distributed due to four willful and 35 serious violations for New Jersey, Pennsylvania companies.
- By Shereen Hashem
- May 13, 2021
Construction workers were put at risk of serious or fatal injuries to falls on the jobsite by six contractors building luxury single-family homes in Medford. The contractors failed to comply with federal requirements to prevent falls – the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
According to a press release, multiple site investigations were conducted by OSHA. The administration cited the companies for exposing the workers to falls and other safety hazards. OSHA initiated three of the inspections as part of its Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction. During the first inspection on October 20, 2020, a compliance officer observed workers exposed to fall and other safety hazards.
The same thing was inspected two days later on October 31. After another inspection completed, OSHA proposed total penalties of $244,397 and cited the companies for four willful and 35 serious violations, including: not providing PPE and exposing workers to falls more than six feet above the ground. Click here to see the companies, citations and proposed penalties.
OSHA encourages employers to use its Stop Falls online resources. The site offers fact sheets, posters and videos to help prevent fall hazards.
The companies have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent OSH Review Commission.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.