OSHA has cited Northridge Construction for willful and serious violations of workplace safety standards at the company’s base in East Patchogue, N.Y., according to a news release from the agency. The construction contractor faces $224,620 in penalties for the alleged violations.
The citation stems from an incident in December 2018 when an employee suffered a fatal fall when a structure collapsed during the installation of roof panels on a shed. OSHA inspectors determined the company failed to provide fall protection and protective helmets while also failing to ensure the structural integrity of the roof.
“Fall-related fatalities are preventable if employers use required fall protection systems, such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems,” said OSHA Long Island area director Anthony Ciuffo. “OSHA standards are legal requirements that every employer must follow to ensure workers are protected from serious injuries.”
Northridge Construction contested the citation and proposed penalties to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, according to OSHA.