OSHA Seeks to Fine Contractor $328K Over Alleged Repeat Fall Hazards at 3 Sites

Federal workplace safety officials have again cited a New Jersey construction contractor for allegedly repeatedly violating safety requirements at three North Jersey worksites, exposing employees to falls from elevations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it inspected a RRC Home Improvement Inc. worksite in Dover in June 2024 after receiving reports of employees working on a roof without fall protection. A month after warning the company about the hazard, OSHA said its inspectors opened inspections at two RRC worksites in Lodi in July 2024. Again, inspectors observed employees working without required fall protection. ODAS said the inspections also uncovered violations involving lack of hard hats, eye protection, fire extinguishers, pump jack scaffold poles and ladder use.

Following the three inspections, OSHA cited RRC Home Improvement for four willful and seven serious violations for which the company faces $328,545 in proposed penalties.

The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before OSHA’s independent review commission.

In five inspections since 2017, OSHA said it has cited the company for failing to provide workers with fall protection and added RRC Home Improvement to the agency’s severe violators program given the willful nature of the fall-related offenses.

RRC Home Improvement Inc. offers commercial roofing, specialty roofing and residential roofing services throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Source: OSHA