OSHA cites roofing contractor for exposing workers to falls, other hazards at North Jersey work sites in East Rutherford, Wallington

Employer name: Hackensack Roofing Co. Inc.
83 First St.
Hackensack, New Jersey

Inspection sites: 297 Carlton Ave.
East Rutherford, New Jersey

3100-3400 Nelkin Drive
Wallington, New Jersey

Citations issued: On Dec. 16, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to the company for one serious and three repeat safety violations.

Investigation findings: As part of the agency’s Local Emphasis Program focused on falls, OSHA began the East Rutherford inspection on Oct. 18, after inspectors observed employees working on a roof without fall protection. The Wallington inspection was opened in response to a complaint alleging fall hazards on the site.

Inspectors issued citations for repeat violations due to a lack of fall and eye protection.  The company was previously cited for similar violations in 2014.

A serious citation was issued because workers were throwing roof shingles from the roof without the use of a container to catch the materials.

Quote: “The fact that Hackensack Roofing allowed employees to work without basic fall protection on two separate sites is problematic and indicates a breakdown in their safety and health program,” said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. “Falls in construction continue to be the leading cause of workplace fatalities. By repeatedly failing to comply with OSHA regulations, this employer continues to put its workers at risk, leaving them vulnerable to falls that could permanently injure or kill them.”

Proposed penalties: $112,487

The citation can be viewed at:

https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/HackensackRoofingCoInc_1188195_1191691.pdf

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its 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. 

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office at 201-288-1700.

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 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 http://www.osha.gov.