A Lunenberg, Mass.-based framing contractor has been issued more than $310,000 in fines by OSHA, the organization announced in a news release today. Northeast Framing has been cited for exposing workers to falls and other hazards following an employee's fatal fall at worksite in May.
OSHA determined the framing contractor failed to provide adequate fall protection despite repeated notifications from the project's general contractor. OSHA alleges the contractor failed to train employees or recognize and avoid hazards. Northeast Framing also is accused of failing to provide adequate documentation regarding the safety of forklifts, failing to perform regular safety inspections, and failing notify OSHA of the employee's work-related death.
"Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Employers must provide fall protection and adequately train workers to identify occupational hazards that can cause injury," OSHA Braintree area office director James Mulligan said in the news release.
The $311,330 in penalties facing the Massachusetts contractor is the maximum allowed by law, according to OSHA. The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with an OSHA area director, or contest the findings.
