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Region 2 News Release:   NY 209
October 23, 2000
Contact: Chester J. Fultz
PHONE: 212-337-2319

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration has cited Yonkers Contracting Co., Inc, of 969 Midland Ave, Yonkers, New York, and proposed penalties totaling $12,500 against the firm, alleging three serious violations of OSHA standards.

According to OSHA area director Richard Mendelson, the action results from an investigation conducted from May 2 to June 28, following a fatality. On May 2, Antonio Pedro, a painter from West Arlington, New Jersey employed by Yonkers Contracting, was working on a walkway between the bridge's train tracks and the roadway when he fell to his death in the East River after disconnecting a pressurized airline. Mr. Pedro's body was not recovered until May 16.

OSHA cited the employer for the following alleged serious violations:

- failure to provide adequate fall protection for employees working above the river.
- failure to provide a lifesaving skiff for employees working over water.
- failure to have a competent person to provide training to employees about fall hazards in their work area.

The alleged serious violations carry a total proposed penalty of $12,500.

"Falls are the leading cause of death for construction workers, both nationally and locally", Mendelson said. " Employers need to make certain that their employees have proper fall protection,regardless of the elevation at which they are working."

A serious violation is defined as a condition which exists where there is a substantial possibility that death or serious physical harm can result.

The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Manhattan area office, located at 6 World Trade Center, Room 881, New York, N. Y. (Telephone 212-466-2481)

The company has until November 9 to contest the citations.