Roof Contractor Cited for Fall Hazards
It seems every week OSHA is citing a company for failing to protect workers from falls. This week, the company is out of Milford, Connecticut, though it just as easily could have been New York or New Jersey.
According to an OSHA press release, the company was exposing workers to falls of up to 11 feet 2 inches without fall protection. In addition, OSHA says, the workers were not trained on fall prevention, and those using a nail gun were not wearing eye protection. In all, the roofing contractor is facing nearly $45,000 in fines.
This isn’t the first time the CT-based contractor has faced such sanctions. In 2008 and 2009, similar hazards were reported at work sites in Milford and Hamden, resulting in fines.
“Our inspectors all too often encounter job sites where fall protection is inadequate or absent,” said local OSHA director Robert Kowalski. “Lack of fall protection means employees are one slip or step away from deadly or disabling falls. For the safety and well-being of their workers, employers must provide effective fall protection for their employees and ensure that their workers are trained to recognize and address fall hazards.”
Three of the citations against the company are repeat violations, totaling $37,400 in fines. Three other citations were for “serious” violations or those that create the substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal accidents in the construction industry. and they are often one of the most frequently cited violations. Fall prevention is something that must be handled by workers (being aware of the risks and doing what’s necessary to minimize them) and employers (providing the right equipment and training). When either one of these aspects is missing, the risk of a serious accident is increased.
For this reason, OSHA is strict in the enforcement of fall prevention standards. For this reason, you should be, too.
If you fall on a construction site, you run the risk of serious and even life-long injury. In cases like these, you could be entitled to compensation. The New York and New Jersey construction accident lawyers of Ginarte may be able to help. Contact us for a free consultation on your case today at 888-GINARTE.
