OSHA cited Lunar Steel Inc., Monroe Township, N.J., and proposed $112,050 against the firm for violations of OSHA standards following an accident that injured two workers.
According to OSHA, an investigation began March 22 after the agency was notified by police of the partial collapse of a steel-framework building under construction in Fairfield, N.J.
Two employees sustained punctured legs and multiple fractures when the steelwork on which they were working collapsed, allowing them to fall more than 30 feet.
OSHA area director David Ippolito said, the company willfully violated OSHA standards by failing to provide fall protection and ensuring that employees used it while working or walking on high steel. The company also failed to secure the steel framework before adding joints; failed to secure and bridge long-span joists; failed to properly support the steel structure to prevent collapse, and failed to ensure that employees not climb on the edge of aerial lifts.
"The willful nature of the violations is unmistakable," said Ippolito. "This employer exhibited a significant disregard for the health and safety of its employees. Following the collapse, the employer pledged to both OSHA and the Township of Fairfield that they would use the required fall protection. But despite the serious injuries, warnings from OSHA, and promises to comply, the firm took no substantial action to eliminate numerous fall hazards and other safety hazards at the site."
The company was also cited for a series of serious violations including:
- failure to provide fall protection training;
- failure to provide fall protection to employees prior to the start of OSHA''s inspection;
- failure to ensure that employees working in aerial lifts were properly tied off; and
- failure to use tag lines to control loads being lifted by crane.
The company has until Oct. 13 to contest the citations.
by Virginia Sutcliffe
About the Author
EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.