OSHA has cited a general contractor and five subcontractors in New Jersey for 20 workplace safety and health violations found at an apartment building construction site in Elizabeth, N.J. Proposed penalties total $95,470.

As a result of an inspection initiated Nov. 18, 2010, general contractor Madison Realty LLC of Edison, N.J., was cited for one serious violation with a proposed penalty of $2,400; DO-VAL Framing Corp. of Warren was cited for four serious violations with proposed penalties of $13,800; Molina & Sons Construction of Bloomfield was cited for six serious violations with proposed penalties of $18,000; JRL Siding & Roofing of Elizabeth was cited for two serious and two repeat violations with proposed penalties of $24,420; Bairrada Liberty Construction Co. Inc. in Linden was cited for one serious and two repeat violations with proposed penalties of $26,950; and Max Plumbing & Heating Inc. in Elizabeth was cited for one serious and one repeat violation with proposed penalties of $9,900.

"Residential construction workers face a unique set of hazards and safety considerations," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office. "It is vital that these employers ensure safe and healthful work environments for their employees."

The serious violations address fall hazards at heights ranging from 12 to 40 feet, including a lack of guard rails, hand rails, harnesses and/or belts/lanyards; failure to provide fire extinguishers where gas and gas-powered equipment were used; use of aerial lifts without fall protection; failure to provide eye protection when nailing equipment was used; and failure to provide helmets when work was performed under elevated operations.