U.S. Department of Labor Cites Pennsylvania and New Jersey Companies For Workplace Safety Violations

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited three companies – two in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (U.S. Construction Inc. and American Diamond Builders Inc.) and one in Delran, New Jersey (AAR Construction Inc.) – for workplace safety violations after an employee suffered fatal injuries resulting from a fall at a Philadelphia worksite in November 2017. American Diamond Builders Inc. faces $143,159 in proposed penalties, while U.S. Construction Inc. faces penalties of $73,984. OSHA proposed $6,652 in penalties for AAR Construction Inc.'s violations.

OSHA initiated its investigation on Nov. 30, 2017, after the City of Philadelphia's Police Department notified the Agency of an employee fatality at 44 N. 3rd St., and issued citations to U.S. Construction Inc., American Diamond Builders Inc., and AAR Construction Inc. Specifically, OSHA has cited U.S. Construction with three repeat and three serious violations and American Diamond Builders with one willful and seven serious violations for exposing employees to impalement, struck-by, trip, and fall hazards. AAR Construction received two serious violations for permitting fall hazards to exist.

"Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Employers must ensure proper fall protection is in place as required by law as a means to prevent tragedies such as this," said Theresa Downs, OSHA Philadelphia Area Director.

U.S. Construction has contested the citations and penalties. AAR Construction participated in an informal conference in the Area Office to discuss a settlement agreement. American Diamond Builders did not respond by the June 18, 2018, deadline or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. View the citations here, here, and here.

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 https://www.osha.gov.