New York contractor facing penalties after structure collapse

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Northridge Construction Corp. for willful and serious violations of workplace safety standards at the company's headquarters in East Patchogue, New York. The company faces $224,620 in penalties.

In December 2018, an employee suffered fatal injuries when a structure collapsed during installation of roof panels on a shed. OSHA inspectors determined that the company failed to provide fall protection and protective helmets, did not ensure the structural integrity of the roof, and misused a ladder.

"Fall-related fatalities are preventable if employers use required fall protection systems, such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems," says OSHA Long Island Area Director Anthony Ciuffo. "OSHA standards are legal requirements that every employer must follow to ensure workers are protected from serious injuries."

Northridge Construction has contested the citations and proposed penalties to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers can find compliance assistance resources on protecting workers from falls on OSHA’s website.