Fall Hazards Cited in Another Enforcement Case
Three repeat and two serious citations against a New Jersey firm included $58,080 in proposed penalties.
OSHA announced it has filed three repeat and two serious citations against Newark, N.J.-based Discovery Construction Corp. for allegedly not protecting it workers against fall hazards at a Monroe, N.J., worksite. Proposed penalties total $58,080. A local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction was the genesis of the case.
The three repeat citations brought a $48,840 penalty and two serious citations carried a $9,240 penalty. "Falls remain one of the leading causes of fatalities on construction sites," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA’s Avenel Area Office in New Jersey. "Employers are responsible for providing workers with basic fall protection to prevent potential injuries."
The repeat citations were due to the company’s alleged failure to provide fall protection to employees working on roofs about 11 feet above ground level, to extend two ladders 3 feet above the work area, and to protect employees from eye injuries while using pneumatic nail guns. The serious citations involved alleged failure to conduct frequent and regular inspections of the job site and to maintain contact with a ladder when accessing the roof while carrying equipment.
For more information about OSHA fall protection standards -- and the agency recently issued a new directive, STD 03-11-002, containing compliance guidance for residential construction -- visit www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/index.html.
Discovery Construction Corp. has 15 business days after receiving thes citations to comply, meet with the OSHA area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.