Region 6 News Release:   OSHA-01-93
September 18, 2001
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, Ext. 222 or 221

OSHA PROPOSES $51,000 PENALTY AGAINST HARRIS PLASTERING & CONSTRUCTION CO. IN PLUMERVILLE, ARK. FOR FAILING TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES WORKING ON AND AROUND SCAFFOLDING

DALLAS - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations to a Plumerville, Ark. construction firm for failure to protect employees working on and around scaffolding. The alleged health and safety violations include proposed penalties totaling $51,000.

Harris Plastering, is a masonry contractor employing about 10 workers.

The alleged violations were discovered during an OSHA program related construction inspection conducted between June 1, 2001 and Sept. 13, 2001. The inspection was also conducted as part of a local emphasis program on falls in construction.

The company was cited with one alleged serious violation and eight alleged repeat violations. The alleged serious violation consisted of failing to ensure that scaffolds were erected or dismantled under the supervision and direction of a competent person. A serious violation is one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result.

Some of the eight alleged repeat violations consisted of failing to ensure that debris was kept cleared from the working area; that scaffold poles, posts, etc. were on base plates and mud sills or other firm and level foundations; that working levels of that scaffold were fully planked; that an adequate means of access to the scaffold was provided and that employees erecting, disassembling, and using scaffolds were adequately trained in those tasks and the possible hazards.

Six of the alleged repeat violations were cited for a third time. A repeat violation is one in which the employer was cited for a violation of the same or similar standard within the past three years.

Employers or workers who have questions concerning safety and health can contact the Little Rock area office at (501)324-6291. They may also take advantage of the free consultation offered by the Arkansas Department of Labor Consultation Service at (501)682-4520.

Harris Plastering & Construction Co. has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with the Little Rock area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.