Newark construction company exposed workers to falls, safety hazards at Pennsylvania worksite

Employer Name and Location: Frame carpentry contractor Express Construction 3 Corp. is located at 64 Wright Street, 2nd Floor, in Newark, New Jersey. The investigation was conducted at The Mews at Liberty Village, a residential construction project in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania.

Date Citations Issued: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations on June 12. The inspection was initiated as part of the agency's regional emphasis program on Falls in Construction.

Investigation Findings: The company received three willful citations for not providing fall protection, personal protective equipment, and the proper ladder. One repeat citation involved defective ladders. Three serious citations were issued for workplace safety violations, including exit, fire and staircase handrail hazards.

Express Construction 3 Corp. has been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program because of its repeated and willful violations of its duty under the OSH Act to provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Quote: "By ignoring OSHA safety standards, this company is putting its employees at risk every time they are on the job," said Jean Kulp, director of OSHA's Allentown Area Office. "Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers have a safe and healthy work environment."

Proposed Penalties: $112,200

View the Citations: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/ExpressConstruction3Corporation_1014095.pdf