Creamer Sanzari Joint Venture of Hackensack has been accused of seven serious safety violations at a Clifton bridge project, the federal Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday. Proposed penalties total $41,580.
The violations allegedly took place at a Passaic River bridge replacement project along Route 3. According to OSHA, the company failed to provide life boats and other protective measures for employees at risk of falling more than 12 feet; did not properly protect workers from impalement hazards from protruding steel, and allowed employees to work with machines that did not have systems to prevent unexpected start-ups, among other alleged violations.
Richard McLaughlin, a lawyer for Creamer Sanzari, said the company will review the details of the citation and prepare a response, which it has 15 business days to do under OSHA's rules.
"My client does make an effort to be in compliance and provide a safe workplace for the employees," McLaughlin said.
Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights office, said the construction industry "continues to remain one of the most dangerous, and heavy highway and bridge work entails a variety of unique hazards. "The company needs to ensure that violations of this nature are not repeated."
OSHA characterized the alleged violations as "serious" - defined as a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard that the employer knew, or should have known, about.
Source: KATHLEEN LYNN, North Jersey.com