Eleven contractors, chiefly from
western and central New York, have been cited by OSHA for failing to protect
their employees against fall hazards during the Walden Galleria Mall
construction project in Cheektowaga, N.Y., according to an agency release. The
combined penalties could total $135,700, OSHA said.
"This situation is unacceptable. Falls are the number
one killer in construction work," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's Buffalo area
director."
OSHA's conducted an inspection in response to a
complaint alleging fall hazards. The agency identified a variety of such
hazards, including lack of fall protection for employees working at heights of
six feet or greater; missing or inadequate guardrails; an uncovered storm
drain; ladder deficiencies; a missing stairway, ramp or ladder; an employee
tied off to the basket of a boom truck while standing on a roof; and lack of
fall protection training and programs, according to the report.
11 Contractors Fined for Fall Hazards at N.Y. Project (4/21)
