Middlesex County Company Admits to Lapses in Safety Standards Leading to Employee Death

Middlesex County Construction Company Admits Causing Death of Employee Who Fell Off Roof During Residential Roof Project

In a sobering turn of events, Zona Roofing LLC, an Old Bridge-based construction company, has admitted to violating critical safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This breach tragically culminated in the death of an employee during a roof replacement project. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the company's guilty plea on November 20, 2023, in Newark federal court.

The court heard that on August 6, 2019, Zona Roofing, under the supervision of owner Yilbert Segura, embarked on a residential roofing project in Haledon, New Jersey. The team, working over 20 feet above ground, lacked essential safety equipment, including harnesses, guard rails, or safety nets. Compounding this negligence, none of the workers, including the victim, had received fall protection training.

Tragically, two days into the project, an employee fell from the roof, suffering fatal head injuries. This was not the first lapse for Zona Roofing, as they had previously been cited for similar safety violations in Maryland.

Under a plea agreement awaiting court approval, Zona Roofing faces five years of probation and a restitution payment of $75,000 to the deceased employee's family. The company must also commit to comprehensive employee training and adhere to enhanced safety measures in future projects. The sentencing is scheduled for March 25, 2024.

This case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety and the dire consequences of disregarding mandated standards. U.S. Attorney Sellinger's office, along with OSHA officials and the Department of Labor, continue to underscore the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.