N.J. Roofing Contractor Cited for Safety Hazards, Could Face $221K in Fines

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited roofing contractor John Prevete Framing LLC for exposing employees to safety hazards while performing residential demolition work at a Passaic County, N.J., site. OSHA proposed $221,343 in penalties.

OSHA inspected the site on Oct. 2, 2017, based on a referral from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Administration.

Its inspectors cited the Hewitt, N.J.-based company for exposing workers to falls from using unsafe ladders, failing to provide required fall protection, exposing employees to asbestos and failing to provide asbestos safety training. OSHA previously cited the contractor in 2013, 2016 and 2017.

“This employer’s repeated disregard of OSHA standards continues to jeopardize the safety of workers,” said Lisa Levy, Hasbrouck Heights OSHA area director, in an OSHA news release.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.