The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations to Newark-based Discovery Construction Corp. for not protecting its workers against fall hazards at its Monroe, N.J., worksite. Proposed penalties total $58,080.

OSHA initiated an inspection as part of its local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction. As a result of the inspection, the company was cited for three repeat citations with a $48,840 penalty and two serious citations with a $9,240 penalty.

"Falls remain one of the leading causes of fatalities on construction sites," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office in New Jersey. "Employers are responsible for providing workers with basic fall protection to prevent potential injuries."

The repeat citations were due to the company's failure to provide fall protection to employees working on roofs approximately 11 feet above ground level, to extend two ladders 3 feet above the work area and to protect employees from eye injuries while using pneumatic nail guns. A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

The serious citations were due to the company's failure to conduct frequent and regular inspections of the jobsite, and to maintain contact with a ladder when accessing the roof while carrying equipment. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

To read detailed information on fall protection standards, visit OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/index.html.