Burlington County general contractor repeatedly exposed construction workers to fall hazards

OSHA fines New Homes Construction Inc. $40,480

Employer Name and Location: New Homes Construction Inc. is a general contractor located at 739 Bordentown Road in Burlington, New Jersey. The investigation was conducted at Wildflowers at Medford, an active adult community at 12 Montclaire Road, Lot 19, in Medford, New Jersey.

Date Citations Issued: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations on June 10. The citations follow an inspection opened after an OSHA compliance officer observed employees working on a roof without fall protection.

Investigation Findings: New Home Construction Inc. received two repeat citations for not providing fall protection and other safety hazards. Five serious citations were issued for violations including the use of damaged and defective equipment, and lack of employee training.

New Home Construction Inc. 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: "Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. In our jurisdiction last year, there were three fatalities related to an employer’s failure to provide fall protection. One death is one too many," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. "Plan, provide and train. These are three simple steps employers should take to prevent falls and ensure a safe workplace."

Proposed penalties: $40,480

View the citation: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/NewHomesConstruction-1040582.pdf