New Jersey Contractor Faces $1 Million Penalty After Safety Violations
February 12, 2024
New Jersey contractor’s ongoing disregard for safety laws leads to $1M penalty after federal inspection finds workers exposed to falls
OSHA adds Adrian Construction Group LLC to ‘severe violator’ list
PATERSON, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a New Jersey contractor for again exposing workers to fall hazards, this time while working at a construction site in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
OSHA initiated an inspection of Adrian Construction Group LLC in July 2023 under a local emphasis program for falls in construction. The agency issued six willful violations for lack of fall protection and failure to ensure the use of eye protection and four serious violations for unsafe scaffolds and failure to provide hard hats for overhead hazards. The company faces a proposed penalty of $1,017,248 for these violations.
Background of Violations
OSHA has inspected Adrian Construction five times since 2016, and in each instance, the agency cited the company for failure to provide workers with fall protection. The company has been added to the Severe Violators Enforcement Program due to the egregious nature of the fall violations.
Importance of Workplace Safety
Adrian Construction Group LLC is a residential carpentry and framing contractor with 20 employees. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 1,069 construction workers died on the job in 2022, with 395 of those fatalities related to falls from elevations. Exposure to fall hazards makes residential framing and roofing work among the deadliest jobs in construction.
Tips for Implementing Workplace Safety Measures
1. Provide Fall Protection: Ensure that workers have the necessary fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and guardrails, when working at heights. Conduct regular inspections to ensure proper usage and maintenance of fall protection systems.
2. Eye Protection: Require workers to wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, when working in areas with potential eye hazards. Provide training on the importance of using eye protection and the proper techniques for cleaning and storing safety glasses.
3. Scaffold Safety: Inspect scaffolds regularly to identify and address any potential safety issues, such as unstable platforms or missing guardrails. Train workers on how to safely assemble, use, and dismantle scaffolds. Encourage workers to report any concerns or defects promptly.
4. Head Protection: Provide hard hats to workers who may be exposed to overhead hazards, such as falling objects or low-hanging structures. Ensure that hard hats fit properly and are worn consistently in areas where head protection is required.
5. Ongoing Training and Education: Regularly train workers on the hazards specific to their job roles and provide refresher courses to reinforce safety protocols. Use resources like OSHA’s stop falls website and educational materials to educate workers about fall hazards and proper safety procedures.
Conclusion
Workplace safety should always be a top priority to protect the well-being of employees. The case of Adrian Construction Group LLC serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from disregarding safety laws. By implementing proper safety measures, such as fall protection, eye protection, scaffold safety, head protection, and ongoing training, employers can create a safer work environment and prevent accidents and injuries.
Learn more about OSHA.