The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Buffalo has levied fines against 11 contractors that worked on a recent construction project at the Walden Galleria.

OSHA identified six contractors from Western New York and five others from central New York that failed to provide protection against fall hazards during an expansion of the area's biggest shopping center.

The 11 companies have been ordered to pay a total of $135,700.

"What's disturbing is the breadth and frequency of fall hazards observed throughout this job site, encompassing a wide variety of construction trades," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director, who noted that falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry.

The investigation began in October. The local companies cited were:

• CBO Glass, Buffalo, $16,000

• Guard Contracting Corp., Youngstown, $12,000

• Alpha Masonry Construction Co. Inc., Orchard Park, $7,500

• E.B. Atlas Steel Corp., Buffalo, $5,400

• S. Federowicz Construction Inc., West Seneca, $2,500

• Gordon & Zoerb Electrical Contractors Inc., Buffalo, $1,500

The largest fine of $78,500 was given to GVH Development Inc. of Utica.

Those charged have 15 days to contest the penalties.