Framing Contractor Faces $333K in Fall Protection Fines
Originally Published by: OSHA — July 11, 2023
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A series of inspections by the U.S. Department of Labor has found a Newark-based construction contractor defying federal safety regulations by exposing employees to more than 20 violations, including potentially deadly falls, at six southern and central New Jersey work sites in early 2023.
Workplace safety and health inspections by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration identified 21 violations by Main Line Contractor Corp. in Berlin, Cape May, Lakewood, Mount Holly and Mount Laurel. Many of the violations related to the framing and sheathing company's failure to provide or require the use of protective equipment to prevent falls from elevations greater than 6 feet, the construction industry's leading cause of death.
In January 2023, OSHA opened its initial investigation in Mount Laurel under the agency's Local Emphasis Program on Falls, and followed that with five more inspections at Main Line work sites in January, February and March. OSHA discovered the company exposed employees intentionally to falls of up to 30 feet by not providing them with the required personal protective equipment or making sure employees used fall protection on site, when available.
In total, OSHA cited the company for 17 serious and four willful violations and proposed $333,052 in penalties.
"After our inspection identified violations at the Mount Laurel jobsite, the company continued to defy the law and put their employees at risk of serious debilitating injuries or worse," said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. "Main Line must bring their company into compliance immediately before tragedy strikes."
Incorporated in 2022, Main Line Contractor Corp. provides framing and sheathing services at residential construction sites throughout New Jersey.
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.
OSHA's website includes information on developing a workplace safety and health program, that applies to all workplaces. OSHA also offers free work-specific tools. Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.