When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration tells an employer to correct a worksite issue, the company need to do it. Failure to abide by OSHA standards could result in serious injury or even death to workers on a job site.

According to the OSHA website, one New Jersey contractor is facing significant fines for not following OSHA regulations and putting workers at undue risk of falling or otherwise being injured.

The press release states that Burlington-based RPK Construction Inc. violated three different standards at its Medford site. In all, the company faces proposed fines of $20,680 for these violations.

The largest fee is being assessed for what OSHA refers to as a “willful violation.” Willful violations are those that are “committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.” In this case, the willful violation was for failing to protect workers from fall hazards while they were working more than 10 feet above the ground.

“Falls are among the most common cause of work-related injuries and deaths,” said local OSHA director Paula Dizon-Roderick. “This company’s failure to provide fall protection for workers reflects a negligent attitude toward worker safety and health.”

In addition to the fall protection violation, the company was cited for two other serious violations. These citations were for electrical equipment that was allegedly damaged and being used without grounding pins, creating electrical hazards.

As is standard protocol, the company has 15 days to contest the charges or pay the fines.

Fortunately, this case didn’t involve any injuries or deaths. Often, OSHA finds out about violations after the fact, when the risky job practices have already caused an accident. Accident prevention is crucial when you work in construction. Nevertheless, accidents happen, and when they do, someone should be held responsible.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields of work in the United States. If you work in construction, you should take steps to ensure you arrive home every night. When an accident happens, all of your attempts to remain safe no longer matter.

New Jersey and New York Construction Accident Lawyers

If you have been injured in a construction accident that wasn’t your fault, contact our office today to discuss your case. We may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries. Contact the construction accident lawyers of Ginarte today by calling (888) GINARTE for a free consultation.