The Occupational Safety And Health Administration has cited three New York construction companies for several violations in the death of a worker in an accident in January. The three companies, H Rock Corporation, Vera Construction Inc. and Sing Da corp., have been cited for willful repeated and serious violations of construction safety standards.
The fatal accident occurred on January 10. The worker was near a large concrete block wall that was being filled with cement, when the wall collapsed. The worker was killed and three other workers were injured. The victim and the injured workers were employees of Sing Da Corporation. They were on a scaffold, and bore the maximum impact of the collapse. Two other workers were on top of the wall, and were able to escape with moderate injuries.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has completed its investigation into the accident. Sing Da Corporation has been cited for one willful violation for failing to strengthen the wall. This citation comes with a penalty of $42,000. Sing Da Corporation was also cited with five serious violations, and these could end with the company facing penalties of up to $21,000.
H Rock Corporation was cited for several serious violations, including leaving floor holes unguarded, failure to strengthen the scaffold, and failure to provide workers head protection. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also found that the company had failed to establish a proper safety program. For this, the company faces penalties of up to $30,000.
Vera Construction Inc. was cited for three safety violations, including leaving floor holes unguarded, and failure to establish a safety program. The company is facing about $8,500 in fines, as well as $6,700 in additional fines for repeat violations.
Unfortunately, New York construction accident attorneys continue to come across too many instances involving construction companies that scrimp on safety equipment, training and appropriate safety procedures that can save lives.