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OSHA News Release
2008 - 01/22/2008 - U.S. Labor Department's OSHA proposes $173,000 in fines against West Haven, Conn., roofing contractor for fall hazards at Farmington, Conn., worksite |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 1 News Release: 08-35-BOS/ BOS 2008-022 Tues., Jan. 22, 2008 Contact: Ted Fitzgerald Phone: 617-565-2074 U.S. Labor Department's OSHA proposes $173,000 in fines against West Haven, Conn., roofing contractor for fall hazards at Farmington, Conn., worksite
HARTFORD, Conn. -- A West Haven, Conn., roofing contractor's failure to supply fall protection for its employees at a Farmington, Conn., worksite has resulted in $173,000 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Quality Roofing Systems Inc. was cited for a total of 11 alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards at its 1690 New Britain Ave. worksite following an OSHA inspection begun July 17, 2007, after an agency inspector observed Quality Roofing employees exposed to falls of from eight to 20 feet while working at or near the unprotected edges of flat and steep-pitched roofs. OSHA standards mandate that fall protection be provided when employees work six feet or higher above the next lower level. As a result, OSHA issued Quality Roofing two willful citations, carrying $140,000 in proposed fines, for the lack of fall protection. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health. "Falls are the number one killer in construction work, and employees working without fall protection are just one step away from death or disabling injury,” said C. William Freeman III, OSHA's area director in Hartford. "The sizable fines proposed in this case reflect the fact that this employer knew this basic, commonsense safeguard was required yet elected not to provide it.” Additional hazards found on the jobsite included lack of guardrails, stairways and ladders; lack of head and foot protection; overhead hazards; an ungrounded electrical generator; no fire extinguisher; lack of fall protection for employees working in a hoisting area and for employees using and storing equipment on the roof. These conditions resulted in nine serious citations with $33,000 in proposed fines. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. "Connecticut employers and employees should remember that OSHA inspectors can and will stop activity at a worksite and open an inspection on the spot if they observe fall hazards,” said Freeman. Detailed information on fall protection requirements and safeguards is available online at www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/index.html. Quality Roofing Systems has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Hartford Area Office (telephone 860-240-3152). Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ### U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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