OSHA Proposes Over $1M in Penalties for American Samoa Contractor

OSHA Proposes Over $1M in Penalties for American Samoa Contractor

The contractor, which has a history of violations, was cited for 21 violations following January 2023 inspections.

  • By Alex Saurman
  • Jul 12, 2023

OSHA inspections earlier this year have led to over $1 million in proposed penalties for an American Samoa construction contractor.

According to a news release, following January 2023 inspections at two American Samoa worksites, OSHA cited Paramount Builders Ltd. for not:

  • “Us[ing] guardrail systems, safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems, as required.
  • Equip[ing] stairways with one stair rail system along each unprotected side or edge.
  • Ensur[ing] workers used appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially hazardous light radiation.
  • Install[ing] equipment safely as instructed by the manufacturer.”

Paramount Builders faces a citation for nine serious, six willful and six repeat serious violations and $1,088,681 in proposed penalties.

The construction contractor’s history of citations dates back to 2013 when OSHA cited Paramount Builders following the fatality of a worker who fell 24 feet. Per the agency, in the last five years, the company has received citations for 22 violations.

“Paramount Builders has historically shown its willingness to ignore federal laws that protect its employees from being exposed to serious injuries and potentially fatal hazards, and its intentional disregard must end,” OSHA Area Office Director Roger Forstner in Honolulu said in the news release.

“OSHA will continue to hold this company accountable for their continued indifference to employee safety and closely monitor their operations until they bring themselves into compliance.”

About the Author

Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.

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