The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has cited Eastern Contractors LLC of Flanders, New Jersey,
for exposing employees to falls and other safety hazards at a worksite in
Paterson, New Jersey.
OSHA initiated an investigation in October 2018 after the Paterson
Police Department notified the agency that an employee suffered a fatal fall
during roofing removal and replacement work. Agency inspectors determined that
the company exposed employees to fall hazards and failed to cover roof
openings, provide a fall protection system and train workers on safety hazards
present at the worksite. The roofing contractor faces $19,890 in penalties.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and
proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area
director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational
Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers
are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their
employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working
men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training,
education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.