New York Personal Injury Attorneys BlogNew York roofing contractor fined highest OSHA fine for Q1 2023 had history of unsafe behavior resulting in two worker deaths on previous projects
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and falls are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the industry. That’s why it is essential for construction companies to provide their workers with fall protection equipment and follow the safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Unfortunately, some companies prioritize profits over their safety, and the consequences can be deadly.
A recent case in point is the ALJ Home Improvement Inc. of Nanuet, New York. Despite being cited for 33 violations in seven federal workplace safety inspections in the last four years, including nine willful failures to provide required fall protection, the company was again found to be exposing its workers to potentially lethal harm just six months after an unprotected employee’s fatal fall. This time, an inspector with OSHA observed three employees on a roof 18 feet above the ground without required fall protection.
ALJ Home Improvement’s callous disregard for the law and the safety of its workers is unacceptable. OSHA Area Director Lisa Levy, stated that “the company repeatedly refuses to comply with OSHA standards and make worker safety a priority, choosing instead to put profit over the lives of its employees. The reality is that a safe workplace is actually a more profitable workplace.”
The consequences of this negligence were grave. Two ALJ Home Improvement employees have suffered fatal falls since 2019, and the company’s latest infractions resulted in OSHA citing them with eight violations – four willful and four serious – and proposing a $687,536 penalty for lack of fall and head protection and violations of multiple standards. This is the highest OSHA proposed fine for Q1 2023 nationally.
This tragic case serves as a reminder that construction companies must prioritize their workers’ safety and follow OSHA standards. As accident attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences that can occur when companies neglect their workers’ safety. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed on a construction site, it’s important to seek legal representation from a top construction accident attorney who can fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
