Workplace Violations Cited at Lincoln Center's Koch Theater

The newly renovated Koch Theater at Lincoln Center is facing $51,000 in fines for workplace safety violations. The theatre is home to the New York City Ballet and the New York City Opera.

Among the violations, an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the theater for the presence of asbestos, or material that might contain asbestos in the theater’s promenade area and in nearby electrical closets. The materials had not been labeled and asbestos warning signs had not been posted.

Inspectors also found that theater's movable stage posed a risk to employees. When it's raised, inspectors found there weren't sufficient guardrails to prevent employees from falling into the orchestra pit. Then when the stage is lowered, the inspection found that employees could potentially be crushed by it. Other violations included a jammed exit door and a portable fire extinguisher that was not mounted.

These conditions were similar to those cited by OSHA during a 2009 inspection of the theater. Those citations resulted in $45,000 in fines.

The theater has 15 business days respond to the citations. A meeting between OSHA and the theater is scheduled for next week.