Region 2 News Release: 11-1762-NEW (osha 11-160)
Dec. 27, 2011
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Creamer Sanzari Joint Venture
for safety hazards at Passaic River bridge project in Clifton, NJ

HACKENSACK, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Creamer Sanzari Joint Venture of Hackensack for seven alleged serious safety violations found at the Passaic River bridge project in Clifton. Proposed penalties total $41,580.

The work site, where the company was installing a replacement bridge as well as making major road improvements along state Route 3, was one of many area construction sites to undergo a planned inspection by OSHA due to the high-hazard nature of the industry.

The following conditions resulted in citations: Ring buoys, a lifeboat and fall protection from a walking surface were not provided for employees exposed to a fall in excess of 12 feet. High-visibility materials were not used to mark the top rails of a guardrail system made of wire rope material. Bidirectional machines were not equipped with an operational horn. All protruding steel was not protected against impalement hazards. Employees were permitted to work with machines that had a deficient lockout/tagout system to prevent unexpected start ups. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"The construction industry continues to remain one of the most dangerous, and heavy highway and bridge work entails a variety of unique hazards," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. "The company needs to ensure that violations of this nature are not repeated."

Creamer Sanzari, a heavy highway and bridge construction company, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director 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 Hasbrouck Heights office at 201-288-1700.

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, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.