OSHA has fined a West Haven, Conn., roofing contractor $173,000 for failure to supply fall protection for its employees at a Farmington, Conn., worksite.

Quality Roofing Systems Inc. was cited for a total of 11 alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards following an OSHA inspection begun last July. The inspection was initiated after an agency inspector observed company employees exposed to falls of up 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.

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.