May 10, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites New Jersey Roofing Contractor

WOODLAND PARK, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Eastern Contractors LLC for exposing employees to falls and other safety hazards at a worksite in Paterson, New Jersey.

OSHA initiated an investigation in October 2018 after the Paterson Police Department notified the agency that an employee suffered a fatal fall during roofing removal and replacement work. Agency inspectors determined that the company exposed employees to fall hazards, and failed to cover roof openings, provide a fall protection system, and train workers on safety hazards present at the worksite. The roofing contractor faces $19,890 in penalties.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Joanna Hawkins, 215-861-5101, hawkins.joanna@dol.gov
Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

Release Number: 19-703-NEW (osha 19-26)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).