Imagine going to work every day, not knowing whether you’ll return home safely. This fear was all too real for the employees of a construction company in Long Branch, New Jersey.

A recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation revealed that Road Contractor Corp. exposed workers to risk of injury and potentially deadly conditions. The company faces over $819,000 in proposed penalties.

OSHA inspectors found more than a dozen alleged safety violations, from unsafe ladders to a lack of proper protective gear. The case underscores the importance of workers’ compensation for employees who suffer injuries on the job in New Jersey.

OSHA Uncovers Serious Safety Violations

The eight-week investigation into Road Contractor Corp. unearthed some alarming findings. The company, which operates across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has been repeatedly cited for safety violations. In total, 32 violations were identified at eight of its work sites. Unsafe conditions in the workplace expose workers to the risk of accidents that can cause serious injuries.

OSHA cited the company for failure to provide adequate fall protection for employees working at heights, improper use of portable ladders, and insufficient protective gear such as hard hats and safety goggles. OSHA inspectors also discovered that the company had allowed its employees to work without training on how to avoid exposure to silica hazards and failed to install necessary machine guards, putting workers at further risk. 

Road Contractor Corp. provides wood framing and sheathing services for residential construction projects. The company was accused of routinely exposing workers to fall hazards and other risky conditions common in residential construction.

OSHA gave the company 15 days to comply, during which it could contest the agency’s findings or request an informal conference with OSHA. The OSHA inspections were part of the agency’s 2023 initiative to eliminate fall hazards, the leading cause of severe injuries and death in workplaces across all industries.

Repeated Safety Violations and Employer Neglect

Repeated violations are one of the most troubling aspects of the Road Contractor Corp. case. OSHA cited the employer for failing to correct previously identified safety hazards. Despite being warned about these dangerous practices, the company continued to expose its workers to serious risks.

In February, OSHA inspectors found seven violations at one of the company’s Burlington County projects. These included failing to provide fall protection for employees working at heights over six feet and not enforcing the use of hard hats to protect workers from falling objects. The violations had already been cited at other work sites, but the company took no action to correct them. For workers, employer negligence creates an environment where injuries are not a matter of if but when.

The Role of Workers’ Compensation in Construction

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in any industry. From heights to hazardous materials, the risk of injury increases when safety protocols are not followed. Whether it is a broken limb from a fall or long-term respiratory damage from inhaling silica, the financial and physical burden can be overwhelming.

Workers’ compensation protects employees who get injured on the job by providing coverage for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages while they recover. If the injury is severe enough to prevent them from returning to their jobs, injured workers may also be eligible for long-term benefits for permanent total disability.

While workers’ compensation provides injured workers with financial and medical assistance, it also shields employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries and illnesses. By accepting workers’ compensation benefits, employees forfeit their right to sue their employer for negligence.

Speak with an Experienced New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Petrillo & Goldberg Today

When employers disregard workplace safety, they jeopardize the wellbeing of workers. If you have been injured on the job due to unsafe conditions, it is essential to understand your rights. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide crucial benefits after a workplace accident.

At Petrillo & Goldberg, we help injured workers navigate the often-complicated workers’ compensation process in New Jersey. We can also help you determine whether you have grounds to pursue additional liability claims. If you have been hurt on the job, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.