May 2, 2022

OSHA proposes $793K in fines for Philadelphia roofing contractor who
exposed workers to fall hazards at 5 southern New Jersey locations

Dates of inspections: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated six inspections in southern New Jersey at five of the construction contractors' work sites in 2021 in October and December, and 2022 in January and March as part of the agency's local emphasis program for fall hazards.

Inspections' findings: In every inspection, OSHA found the company did not provide workers doing sheathing and framing work on roofs with fall protection as the law requires. The agency also identified violations related to workers exposed to damaged ladders, unsafe use of ladders and electrical hazards. They also found the company failed to provide eye and head protection, and train employees on forklift use.

Total proposed penalties: $793,290

Citations: OSHA cited the company with seven willful and 11 safety violations. 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.

Quote: "OSHA inspectors found All Best Contractor Corp.’s foreman on site, and yet he allowed employees to work while knowing that they lacked fall and other safety protections. Such blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of the company’s workers shows a willful recklessness," said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. "The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will make every effort to hold employers accountable when they put workers at increased risk of serious injuries or worse."

Company description: All Best Contractor Corp. provides residential wood framing and sheathing throughout New Jersey. The company has about 45 employees.

Background: Falls from elevation are a leading cause of death for construction employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports falls accounted for 351 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2020. OSHA encourages industry employers and workers to participate in the 2022 National Safety Stand-Down from May 2-6. The annual event raises industry awareness of fall hazards in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

OSHA also encourages employers to use visit its 'Stop Falls' web site which includes detailed information on fall protection standards in English and Spanish. The site offers fact sheets, posters and videos that illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.

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Media Contacts:

Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

Release Number: 22-682-NEW

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