OSHA: Contractor Exposed Workers to Fall Hazards at New Jersey Construction Site

Concrete and masonry company Concrete Systems Inc. is facing $52,470 in fines for eight OSHA citations. The company allegedly exposed workers to fall hazards and other safety hazards at a New Jersey construction site.

OSHA cited the firm for one repeat and seven serious violations after a February investigation.

OSHA said it launched the investigation after observing workers building formwork without fall protection at the construction site of three midrise buildings in Bloomfield, N.J. The investigation also was part of the agency’s local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction.

“Concrete Systems Inc. was previously cited twice for exposing workers to fall and other safety and health hazards at work sites in Kearny and Cranford, N.J,” said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA’s Parsippany area office. “Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. It is imperative that this company immediately implement an effective fall protection program to ensure the safety of its employees.”

OSHA cited the company for a repeat hazard, carrying a $13,860 fine, because workers allegedly were exposed to a 25-foot fall hazard without proper protection. The agency cited Concrete Systems for the same violation in 2012.

The serious violations, carrying a $38,610 penalty, mostly pertained to fall protection violations, OSHA said.

The firm also exposed workers to impalement hazards due to rebar ends that were not properly guarded, OSHA said. 

Concrete Systems has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply or contest OSHA’s findings.