OSHA has cited masonry contractor F. Pardo Corp., based in Ridgefield Park, N.J., with two repeat violations found while the company installed brickwork on a residential structure in Paramus, N.J. OSHA's February investigation was initiated as a result of an imminent danger fall hazard, and proposed penalties total $46,200.
The repeat violations were issued because the company allegedly exposed employees to falling object hazards while they were working below masonry activities without wearing hard hats. Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 18 feet while working on a fabricated frame scaffold without any means of fall protection in place.
A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last 5 years. The company was cited for the same violations in 2010 and 2011.
"This company continues to needlessly jeopardize the safety of its workers by repeatedly failing to provide them with personal protective equipment appropriate for the job," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. “Employers who disregard OSHA standards and do not uphold their responsibility to keep workers safe and healthy will be held legally accountable.”
OSHA has created a Stop Falls Web page with detailed information in English and Spanish on fall protection standards. The page offers fact sheets, posters and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.
F. Pardo Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with Levy or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
