Oyster Bay, NY– A New York roofing contractor has agreed to pay $600,000 in penalties and implement major safety reforms following a federal investigation into a fatal workplace fall.
DME Construction Associates Inc. reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that willful safety violations contributed to a worker’s death at a municipal facility in Oyster Bay, New York.
The incident occurred in August 2021 when an employee fell approximately 18 feet through an unguarded skylight while performing roofing work. OSHA’s investigation found that workers were exposed to fall hazards of up to 22 feet without proper fall protection in place.
The agency issued nine willful citations against DME Construction Associates, eight of which were classified as egregious per-instance violations, meaning each employee exposed to the hazard was cited individually.
As part of the settlement agreement, the company must:
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Develop and maintain a comprehensive written safety program
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Ensure proper fall protection equipment is available at all jobsites
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Notify OSHA at least one week before starting new projects
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Allow warrantless OSHA inspections
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Require supervisors to complete OSHA 30-hour construction safety training
In addition to the civil penalties, the company and its owner have pleaded guilty to a criminal violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act related to the fatal incident. Sentencing is scheduled for later this year.
