An Alabama contractor faces significant fall hazard fines after an inspection by OSHA. The proposed fines total $102,669 for one willful and two serious citations. OSHA initiated the inspection in July as part of a regional emphasis program to limit falls in the construction industry. During the inspection workers were found to be wearing full body harnesses; however they were not attached or tied off to prevent falls. According to the area director William Fulcher, the contractor knowingly allowed framers to work on the roof without fall protection.
As falls continue to be the leading cause of death in the construction industry, OSHA is cracking down on employers and enforcing fall protection requirements. They recommend a three pronged strategy for fall prevention & fall protection to keep workers safe and prevent significant fall hazard fines.
Plan Ahead
When working from heights, employers must plan projects to ensure that the work is done safely. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks are involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task.
OSHA fines Construction Company after an inspection. OSHA audited Great White Construction in St. Augustine, Florida for the twelfth time in five years. They were cited with 14 safety violations and proposed penalties of $1,523,710 that included 11 willful citations pertaining to fall hazards. Additionally, they had three repeat citations for workers not wearing eye protection and improper use of ladders.
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Author: Deborah Grow, Safety Compliance Specialist, Private Safety Consultant
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