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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2005 - 06/29/2005 - OSHA Cites Developer for Endangering Workers |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 2 News Release: 05-1137-NEW (osha 072) Wed., June 29, 2005 Contact: Kate Dugan Phone: (215) 861-5101 OSHA Cites Developer for Endangering Workers
HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. -- The developer of a multi-unit residential complex in Rochelle Park, N.J., has been cited by the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for multiple violations of safety and health standards. Proposed penalties total $121,000. Town & Country Developers, headquartered in Woodcliff, N.J., was issued citations alleging three willful violations, with a penalty of $99,000, for exposing employees to falls of six feet or more and improperly storing liquefied petroleum gas containers. Willful violations are defined by OSHA as the intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the Occupational Safety and Health Act. "Exposing workers to dangerous falls and improperly storing gases that can explode put these workers at great risk," said Lisa Levy, area director of the Hasbrouck Heights OSHA office. "This employer is well aware of safety requirements but did not follow them." Citations for serious violations, with a proposed penalty of $14,000, were issued due to the employer's failure to protect employees from falls, allowing foot traffic on dangerous stairs, lack of handrails and allowing temporary heaters too close to combustible materials. Serious violations are cited when death or serious injury could occur from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known. The single repeat citation carries a penalty of $8,000. It was issued for failure to provide fire extinguishers on the site and in areas where combustible gases were stored. OSHA cited Town & Country Developers for a similar violation in the past. The inspection was conducted by the Hasbrouck Heights OSHA office, 500 Route 17 S., phone (201) 288-1700. The company has 15 working days to request an informal meeting with the OSHA area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health issues. # # # U.S. Labor Department 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 at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor 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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