Region 2 News Release: 13-797-NEW (osha 13-042)
May 15, 2013
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Ridgefield Park, NJ, contractor for
repeat fall hazards at Paramus, NJ, work site

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited masonry contractor F. Pardo Corp., based in Ridgefield Park, with two repeat violations found while the company installed brickwork on a residential structure in Paramus. OSHA's February investigation was initiated as a result of an imminent danger fall hazard. Proposed penalties total $46,200.

The repeat violations were due to employees exposed to falling object hazards while working below masonry activities without wearing hard hat protection. Employees were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 18 feet while working on a fabricated frame scaffold without any means of fall protection in place. A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for the same violations in 2010 and 2011.

"This company continues to needlessly jeopardize the safety of its workers by repeatedly failing to provide them with personal protective equipment appropriate for the job," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. "Employers who disregard OSHA standards and do not uphold their responsibility to keep workers safe and healthy will be held legally accountable."

OSHA has created a Stop Falls Web page at http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls with detailed information in English and Spanish on fall protection standards. The page offers fact sheets, posters and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.

F. Pardo Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Hasbrouck Heights, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. To reach the office, telephone 201-288-1700.

To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.

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.

# # #

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.