Region 5 News Release:   V-110
Jan. 29, 2002
Contact: Rob Medlock or Joe Warner
Phone: (216) 522-3818

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Painesville, Ohio company allegedly allowed employees to work and walk near unguarded skylights and exposed them to the dangers of roof falls, resulting in the issuance of four citations today by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Following an inspection at Commercial Siding & Maintenance Co. Inc., OSHA proposed fines totaling $120,400.

OSHA conducted its investigation in August, when employees were removing and installing roof panels.

"This company has a history of fall-related violations," said Rob Medlock, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "The focus of this inspection was to ensure that workers had proper fall protection."

OSHA cited Commercial Siding & Maintenance for two alleged willful violations of regulations on fall protection. One involved workers who were allowed to work and walk next to unguarded skylights. A second violation involved workers exposed to falls from the roof while removing and reinstalling metal roof panels.

Two serious violations were alleged for deficiencies in a forklift platform for elevating workers and failure to secure metal roof decking to prevent movement.

OSHA defines a willful violation as one in which the employer committed an intentional and knowing violation of the law or committed a violation with plain indifference to the law. A serious violation is issued for a hazardous condition in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

Commercial Siding & Maintenance Co. Inc. has 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.