Region 6 News Release:   OSHA-02-89
Thurs., June 6, 2002
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221

DALLAS -- Numerous fall hazards, at a construction site, has led the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to cite subcontractor B R Brick and Masonry with alleged safety and health violations and proposed penalties totaling $115,200.

The OSHA Houston south area office conducted the investigation that began Dec.11, 2001 and cited the contractor with seven serious and seven repeat violations.

Most of the citations involved inadequately constructed, loaded, and misused scaffolding, including a lack of guardrails, toe boards, and access ladders. Other citations involved the lack of head protection, an ineffective safety and health program, an ineffective safety inspection program, and deficiencies with respiratory protection while dry-cutting concrete masonry units. Workers were also exposed to silica, a significant health hazard.

B R Brick and Masonry, employing, at various times, from 40 to more than 100 workers, has been inspected by OSHA 66 times since 1976. Forty-seven of those inspections have resulted in citations. The company has previously been cited 28 times for a lack of guardrails on scaffolding; 12 times for a lack of access ladders to the scaffolding; eight times for an unstable foundation supporting the scaffolding; nine times for a lack of hard hats and four times for an ineffective inspection program.

"Employees working on elevated scaffolding are being exposed to hazards that could cause serious injuries or fatalities, should be protected," said Raymond Skinner, OSHA area director in Houston.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call the nearest OSHA office. OSHA's toll-free hotline may be used to report workplace accidents, fatalities, or situations posing imminent danger to workers. The number is 1-800-321-6742.

The employer has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to either comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.