OHSA cites contractor over $819k for lack of fall safety protection

With falls being the leading cause of death in the construction industry, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put an emphasis on safety at worksites to prevent falls. Unfortunately, OSHA can only do so much. Employers must make safety a priority. A New Jersey contractor faces $819,417 in civil money penalties for 32 safety violations found over 8 inspections from November 2023 to March 2024. 

Contractor exposed workers to potentially deadly falls 

Road Contractor Corp., which is registered in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offers wood framing and sheathing services on residential construction projects. At each of the 8 inspections, OSHA investigators found that the company failed to provide fall safety prevention, which is required under federal law. In addition, the company was cited for: 

• Failing to train workers to recognize silica hazards and exposing employees to silica hazards (tiny dust particles from grinding, cutting, or drilling items that contain crystalline silica, which can cause lung problems.) 
• Letting employees use portable ladders in an unsafe manner. 
• Letting machines be operated without guards. 
• Failing to communicate hazards and not providing control programs for unsafe activities. 
• Not offering employees eye and face protection on the job. 

Road Contractor Corp. can request an informal conference with the area director or contest the findings with the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, or they can simply comply with the findings and pay the penalties. 

Employers and employees can get more information about stop falls on its website, in both English and Spanish. If your employer is not providing safety equipment to prevent falls, you can make a complaint to OSHA. Employees are protected against retaliation under federal law. If an employer dismisses an employee for making a complaint to the employer or to OSHA for failing to follow safety procedures, make another complaint with OSHA for retaliation.

Remember, employers are required to follow safety laws to keep employees safe. Employers must also maintain a workplace free from retaliation for voicing concerns about hazards or violations of federal law.