West Milford roofing contractor fined $221,000 by OSHA for ladder, asbestos violations

WEST MILFORD — A local roofing contractor has been fined more than $221,000 by federal officials for allegedly exposing employees to dangerous falls and asbestos while performing residential demolition work in the county. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the fine for the Hewitt-based contractor, John Prevete Framing LLC, on Wednesday. The penalties stem from an Oct. 2, 2017, OSHA inspection, records show. The inspection, which followed a referral from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Administration, found violations ranging from unsafe ladder use to asbestos exposure, according to OSHA records. OSHA previously cited the contractor in 2013, 2016, and 2017. “Exposure to dangerous fall and asbestos hazards can be prevented if appropriate safety requirements are followed,” said Lisa Levy, OSHA area director in Hasbrouck Heights. “This employer’s repeated disregard of OSHA standards continues to jeopardize the safety of workers.” The complete list of OSHA citations issued to John Prevete Framing includes: exposing workers to falls from using unsafe ladders; failing to provide required fall protection; exposing employees to asbestos; and failing to provide asbestos safety training. The company will have roughly three weeks to comply with $221,343 in penalties, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA, created in 1970, ensures that employers comply with regulations mandating safe workplaces. A call to a phone listing for John Prevete Framing went unanswered Wednesday afternoon.