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OSHA News Release
2007 - 12/27/2007 - U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites contractors for workplace hazards on Lowes home improvement center construction site

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Region 3 News Release: 07-1949-PHI (osha 07-212)
Dec. 27, 2007
Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5102


U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites contractors for workplace hazards on Lowes home improvement center construction site

WHITEHALL, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited five Whitehall, Pa. contractors working on the Lowes home improvement center construction site at 2650 Macarthur Road for a variety of workplace safety and health violations, assessing a total of $142,600 in fines.

OSHA initiated an investigation on July 5, 2007 in response to an employee complaint. As a result of the investigation, T&T Masonry, which was engaged in both steel erection and masonry work with 32 employees at the job site, was cited for seven repeat violations and 18 serious violations. The company was fined $129,000 for improper use of scaffolds and inadequate fall protection.

DeLeon Enterprises, a roofing contractor with eight employees on site, was cited for six serious violations and fined $9,600 for inadequate training for employees and failure to provide ground fault protection in electrical circuits. NMB Construction, LLC, providing exterior finishing work with five employees on site, was cited for three serious violations and fined $1,125 for failure to provide ground-fault protection in electrical circuits and improper use of scaffolds. Professional Site Management Inc., a utility installation and site preparation contractor with 17 employees at the job site, was cited for one serious violation. The company was fined $2,500 for failure to provide adequate protection to employees in an excavation. In addition, P.C. Unlimited Inc., a framing contractor with four employees at the site, was cited for one serious violation and fined $375 for failure to provide ground-fault protection on electrical circuits.

"Each of these hazards added to the likelihood of a potential accident," says Jean Kulp, director of the Allentown OSHA Area Office. "With so many contractors involved in this construction project, it's important that each company eliminate the identified violations to make certain all employees stay safe and healthy while working on this job site."

OSHA issues a repeat citation when an employer has been previously cited for a substantially similar violation, and that citation and its penalty have become final. A serious violation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious injury could occur from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company may appeal the citation(s) within 15 business days after receipt. Appeals are heard before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA's office in Allentown can be reached by telephone at (610) 776-0592.

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 assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

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