Friday, April 18, 2008

6 WNY contractors fined by OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Buffalo has levied fines against 11 contractors who worked on a recent construction project at Walden Galleria.

OSHA identified six contractors from Western New York and five others from Central New York for failing to provide employees against fall hazards during an expansion of the area's biggest shopping center. The 11 companies have been ordered to pay a total of $135,700.

"What's disturbing is the breadth and frequency of fall hazards observed throughout this job site, encompassing a wide variety of construction trades," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director, who noted falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry.

The investigation began in October 2007. The local companies cited are:

• CBO Glass, Buffalo, $16,000
• Guard Contracting Corp., Youngstown, $12,000
• Alpha Masonry Construction Co. Inc., Orchard Park, $7,500
• E.B. Atlas Steel Corp., Buffalo, $5,400
• S. Federowicz Construction Inc., West Seneca, $2,500
• Gordon & Zoerb Electrical Contractors Inc., Buffalo, $1,500

The largest fine of $78,500 was given to GVH Development Inc. of Utica.

Those charged have 15 days to contest the penalties.