The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has
cited Formica Construction Co. Inc. for seven safety and health violations, comprised of three
willful, three serious, and one other than serious violations. They come in response to an
inspection of a worksite in Avenel, New Jersey in November of 2014. This inspection was
initiated in response to a fatality in November of 2014 after a building collapsed. These
violations are for hazards relating to demolition safety protocols, third party audits, and training.
These violations carry proposed penalties of $121,000.
“This worker’s death should never have happened,” said Patricia Jones, OSHA’s area director
for Staten Island. “Had Formica Construction chosen to plan and carry out the demolition
correctly, this collapse would not have occurred, and Mr. Mendizabal would not have died.
“No enforcement action will bring Mr. Mendizabal back to his family, friends and co-workers,
but future tragedies can be prevented. Employers doing demolitions should remember this fatal
incident, take note of these violations and follow procedures, so that other workers are not killed
or injured,” said Jones.
If you are in the construction industry, particularly in demolitions, this should be an eye opening
instance. If you have not recently reviewed your occupational safety and health policies and
procedures, it might be time to do so. Should OSHA audit your worksite and find the same
violations, they will not show leniency. And you certainly do not want a similar tragedy on your
hands.
If you have any questions about this inspection or about improving your occupational safety and
health procedures, please contact us. If you have anything to add about this inspection, please
leave a comment.
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