July 3, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Long Island, New York, Construction
Company for Fall Hazards Following Fatal Structure Collapse

WESTBURY, NY – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Northridge Construction Corp. for willful and serious violations of workplace safety standards at the company's headquarters in East Patchogue, New York. The company faces $224,620 in penalties.

In December 2018, an employee suffered fatal injuries when a structure collapsed during installation of roof panels on a shed. OSHA inspectors determined that the company failed to provide fall protection and protective helmets, did not ensure the structural integrity of the roof, and misused a ladder.

"Fall-related fatalities are preventable if employers use required fall protection systems, such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems," said OSHA Long Island Area Director Anthony Ciuffo. "OSHA standards are legal requirements that every employer must follow to ensure workers are protected from serious injuries."

Northridge Construction has contested the citations and proposed penalties to 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. Employers can find compliance assistance resources on protecting workers from falls at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/evaluation.html.

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Media Contacts:

Ted Fitzgerald, 617-565-2075, fitzgerald.edmund@dol.gov
Jim Lally, 617-565-2074, lally.james.c@dol.gov

Release Number:  19-951-NEW/BOS 2019-096
 

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