New York contractor cited and fined for OSHA violations

A construction contractor in New York received numerous citations from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for serious and repeat violations of safety standards in the workplace. This was following an accident at a work site in New York City where a second-floor-level deck collapsed causing a worker to fall 15 feet.

The inspection report issued by OSHA stated the supports had been constructed improperly, and the beams had been damaged but had not been properly inspected for defects. It also pointed out that the work site lacked proper protection from falls, exposing employees to drops of 15 feet in some cases.

The contractor is facing one repeat citation for lack of protection from falls, four serious citations for the failed support system as well as training hazards and total fines of over $58,000. A repeat violation occurs when the employer had been cited previously for the same violation within the previous five years. A serious violation exists when a hazard at the work site poses a substantial risk with a high probability of serious physical harm or death.

When a New York worker has suffered on-the-job injuries due to violations of workplace safety standards, the employee is entitled to workers' compensation. An attorney could be able to answer any questions that the injured person and his or her family may have. The attorney could be able to explain what forms are required to be filed in order to receive workers' compensation payments and if a personal injury claim is also appropriate based on the facts of the case.