OSHA cited J.P. Patti Co., Saddle Brook, N.J., and proposed penalties of $137,500 against the firm for four alleged repeat violations and one alleged serious violation of OSHA standards.
The action results from an investigation conducted under a local emphasis program on fall protection in the construction field at a work site in Edgewater, N.J., where the company was engaged in roofing activities, according to OSHA area director Lisa Levy.
OSHA cited J.P. Patti for the following alleged repeat violations:
- failure to provide fall protection on a low-sloped roof about 30 feet above the ground;
- failure to provide guard rails, fall protection system or warning lines where a material handling system was operated on the roof;
- storing roofing materials adjacent to the roof edge;
- setting an extension ladder used to gain access to roof at an unsafe angle and failing to secure it at the top.
The alleged repeat violations carry a total proposed penalty of $132,500.
The firm was previously cited for similar violations in May 1997, February 2000, October 2000 and April 1998 at other jobsites in New Jersey and New York.
The employer was also cited for failing to provide guard rails or other fall protection at the material hoist on the roof, an alleged serious violation carrying the proposed penalty of $5,000.
The company has until June 8 to contest the citations.
by Virginia Sutcliffe