NJ Roofer Suffers Broken Neck in Fall

Ridgefield, NJ (WorkersCompensation.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Ridgefield-based Conte Roofing Co. Inc. with two repeat and four serious violations, including fall hazards, at a work site in Moonachie. An investigation began in October 2012 after a referral from the Moonachie Police Department reported that a worker fell through an opening in the roof and suffered a broken neck. Proposed penalties total $57,300.

Four serious violations involve failing to provide fall protection and training for workers performing roof work; ensure an available fire extinguisher; and protect holes in the roof. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The repeat violations are due to a ladder not extended 3 feet above the landing surface and a lack of ladder training. A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcements states within the last five years. The same violations were cited in 2011.

"This company failed to provide a safe and healthful workplace by not utilizing appropriate safety measures, including fall protection, which resulted in a worker's serious injury," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's area office in Hasbrouck Heights. OSHA will not tolerate companies that do not prioritize the safety and health of workers."

OSHA has created a Stop Falls Web page at http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls with detailed information in English and Spanish on fall protection standards. The page offers fact sheets, posters and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures. OSHA standards require that an effective form of fall protection, such as guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems, be in use when workers perform construction activities at 6 feet or more above the next lower level.

Conte Roofing Co. Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Hasbrouck Heights, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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