OSHA cites NJ roofing contractor for exposing workers to falls, other hazards $112K

Hackensack Roofing Co. Inc., 83 First St., Hackensack, New Jersey was cited for OSHA

violations.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.

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.

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OSHA Cites Paterson NJ Laundry for Violations - $91K In Fines

OSHA cites New Jersey commercial laundry for workplace safety hazards
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Employer name:

Star Laundry Inc.

421 and 436 East 16th St.

Paterson, New Jersey

Citations issued: On Dec. 7, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations against Brite Services Inc., doing business as Star Laundry Inc., for seven repeat, two serious and three other-than-serious violations.

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FATAL OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES INCREASED in 2015

A total of 4,836 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2015, a slight increase from the 4,821 fatal injuries reported in 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.

This release marks the first time that the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) has published a single, annual release with no revisions and will be the only release for 2015 CFOI data. A similar schedule will be followed in future years. 

Preliminary releases, which appeared in August or September in past years, will no longer be produced. 

Key findings of the 2015 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries: 

- Annual total of 4,836 fatal workplace injuries in 2015 was the highest since 5,214 fatal injuries in 2008. 

- The overall rate of fatal work injury for workers in 2015, at 3.38 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, was lower than the 2014 rate of 3.43. 

- Hispanic or Latino workers incurred 903 fatal injuries in 2015—the most since 937 fatalities in 2007. 

- Workers age 65 years and older incurred 650 fatal injuries, the second-largest number for the group since the national census began in 1992, but decreased from the 2014 figure of 684. 

- Roadway incident fatalities were up 9 percent from 2014 totals, accounting for over one-quarter of the fatal occupational injuries in 2015. 

- Workplace suicides decreased 18 percent in 2015; homicides were up 2 percent from 2014 totals. - Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers recorded 745 fatal injuries, the most of any occupation. 

- The 937 fatal work injuries in the private construction industry in 2015 represented the highest total since 975 cases in 2008. 

- Fatal injuries in the private oil and gas extraction industries were 38 percent lower in 2015 than 2014. 

- Seventeen percent of decedents were contracted by and performing work for another business or government entity in 2015 rather than for their direct employer at the time of the incident.