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OSHA News Release
2004 - 05/20/2004 - OSHA Cites Contractor for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards at Arkabutla Creek Bridge Construction Site |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release Release Number: 04-887-ATL (105) Date: May 20, 2004 Contact: Clyde Payne Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (601) 965-4606 (404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Contractor for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards at Arkabutla Creek Bridge Construction Site
JACKSON, Miss. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Talbot Brothers Contracting Co., Inc., and proposed penalties totaling $40,000, for failing to protect employees from fall hazards at a bridge construction site in Nesbit, Miss. OSHA began the inspection on Jan. 13, after observing Talbot employees working without any fall protection atop 28-foot concrete columns above the Arkabutla Creek. "Falls are a leading cause of death and injury in the construction industry," said Clyde Payne, OSHA's Jackson area director. "We are committed to preventing these needless accidents." OSHA cited the company for one alleged willful violation, with a proposed penalty of $28,000, for failing to install a guardrail system or safety net system at the site. Management representatives were aware of OSHA safety regulations and had fall-protection equipment available, but failed to require workers to use it. Talbot Brothers Contracting also received citations for nine alleged serious safety hazards, including failure to provide employees working over the creek with life jackets; not having available life rings and a life-saving boat; and failure to provide workers with hard hats, proper fall protection training, and a safe means of accessing and exiting the vertical bridge columns. Additionally, the company reportedly failed to provide a barrier to prevent employees from being struck by a rotating crane. These citations carry proposed penalties totaling $12,000. The Nesbit-based company has 15 working days to contest the OSHA citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The work site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Jackson area office located at 3780 I-55 North, Suite 210; phone: (601) 965-4606. In fiscal year 2003, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted almost 40,000 inspections, an increase of more than 2,000 inspections over FY 2002 levels; more than half focused on high-hazard industries. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
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