Region 2 News Release: 13-826-NEW (osha 13-050)
June 18, 2013
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Burlington, NJ, construction company for
exposing workers to fall hazards

BURLINGTON, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Burlington-based RPK Construction Inc. for three safety violations - including one willful - that occurred at a work site in Medford. OSHA's February inspection was initiated under the agency's local emphasis program on falls in construction. Proposed penalties total $20,680.

The willful violation, which carries a $15,400 penalty, was cited for the company's failure to provide fall protection for employees exposed to fall hazards while performing framing and other carpentry-related activities in excess of 10 feet above the ground. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

"Falls are among the most common causes of work-related injuries and deaths," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. "This company's failure to provide fall protection for workers reflects a negligent attitude toward worker safety and health."

Two serious citations, with $5,280 in penalties, were due to electrical equipment that was damaged and utilized without grounding pins. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

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.

RPK Construction Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Marlton, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Marlton Area Office at 856-596-5200.

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.

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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.