Stamford Demolition Contractor Cited, Fined for Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited a Stamford-based demolition company Thursday for hazardous conditions, the department claimed Thursday.

OSHA said Konko LLC would be cited for 14 infractions involving the conditions in which scaffolding was found to be set up and "fall hazards," or conditions at high levels that could lead to a worker falling from scaffolding while working.

OSHA also recommended Konko be fined almost $99,000 for the infractions while the company participated in renovations to the Stamford Plaza Hotel.

The Bridgeport Area Office of OSHA began an inspection of the site on Sept. 27th, 2011, after receiving a complaint about unsafe conditions. They alleged to have found scaffolding that was not properly restrained from tipping and was not properly planked on working levels.

OSHA also alleged the scaffolding "had not been erected and altered under the supervision of a competent person with the knowledge and authority to identify and correct hazards." Workers were at risk of falling up to 57 feet due to a lack of protection, OSHA announced Thursday.

The company has 15 days to comply with the orders from the government agency by either complying, meeting with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.