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.