The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday that it cited a New Jersey painting contractor after a worker was seriously injured in an 80-foot fall to the bottom of a water tower.
OSHA cited Millstone Township-based U.S. Tank Painting Inc. for three “willful” and 19 “serious” violations over the January incident in Bayville, New Jersey, and proposed penalties of $485,580.
The worker fell from a maintenance tube ladder in the tank.
OSHA said U.S. Tank Painting failed to ensure workers used fall protection while climbing the maintenance tube ladder, failed to complete required confined space permits, and failed to develop a rescue plan for employees working inside water towers.
The company also exposed workers to respiratory hazards and hearing injuries, OSHA said.
U.S. Tank Painting has 15 business days to contest the citation and proposed penalties.