OSHA has cited Shawnlee Construction LLC for fall hazards identified during the construction of a new public safety building in Montville. The Plainville, Mass.-based framing contractor faces a $50,000 proposed fine after an inspection by OSHA's Hartford Area Office found Shawnlee employees exposed to falls of up to 11 and ½ feet.

"The sizable fine proposed in this case reflects this employer's history of fall protection violations, having been cited for similar hazards in three different states over the past five years," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's area director in Hartford. "Falls remain among the deadliest hazards in construction work. Employees are literally a step away from a disabling or deadly fall that can end their careers or their lives in seconds. The safety and well-being of employees depends on effective fall protection safeguards being in place and in use at all times on all job sites."

As a result of the inspection, OSHA cited Shawnlee Construction for one repeat violation. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. In this case, the repeat violation stems from OSHA having cited Shawnlee in 2007 and 2008 for similar hazards at sites in Middletown, R.I.; Stonington, Conn.; and Concord, N.H.

Detailed information on construction fall hazards and safeguards is available at www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html.

Shawnlee Construction LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.