NJ Contractor Faces Over $20,000 in Proposed Safety Violations

RPK Construction Inc. is cited for three safety violations for failure to provide fall protection and using damaged electrical equipment

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The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Burlington, N.J., based RPK Construction Inc. for three safety violations - including one willful - that occurred at a work site in Medford. OSHA's February inspection was initiated under the agency's local emphasis program on falls in construction. Proposed penalties total $20,680.

Video: The A, B, Cs of Fall Protection

The willful violation, which carries a $15,400 penalty, was cited for the company's failure to provide fall protection for employees exposed to fall hazards while performing framing and other carpentry-related activities in excess of 10 feet above the ground. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

OSHA Fall Prevention Fact Sheet

Two serious citations, with $5,280 in penalties, were due to electrical equipment that was damaged and utilized without grounding pins. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

Proper Safety Training Will Help Prevent Electrocutions on Your Jobsites

RPK Construction Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Marlton, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Construction Fall Prevention Campaign Provides Contractors Prevention and Training Materials

OSHA has created a Stop Falls Web page with detailed information in English and Spanish on fall protection standards. The page offers fact sheets, posters and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.

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