OSHA has cited Tim Graboski Roofing Inc. of Delray Beach for four safety violations, including two willful, following the death of a worker. OSHA also conducted a second inspection at a different company location as part of the agency's local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction.
"Tim Graboski Roofing has repeatedly failed to address the fall hazards associated with roofing work," said Condell Eastmond, the agency's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "The company needs to correct the pattern of exposing workers to falls and other workplace hazards immediately, which resulted in this tragic loss of life."
How it happened
On June 27, a worker was electrocuted at a residential job site in Boca Raton when attempting to reposition a metal extension ladder that made contact with overhead electrical power lines. On July 23, OSHA inspectors passing by a residential work site in Cooper City observed workers exposed to fall hazards, prompting a second inspection.
The willful citation on June 27 involves exposing workers to fall hazards of approximately 30 feet by not ensuring usage of a fall protection system. The citation on July 23 involves workers engaged in residential construction up to 19 feet above ground without guardrail systems, a safety net system, a personal fall arrest system, or any alternative fall protection measure.
No nonconductive side rails
Two serious violations relating to the fatality involve directing a worker to use a metal extension ladder to gain access to a rooftop in close proximity to high-voltage power lines that were not deenergized, grounded or guarded. The employer allowed the worker to use a metal extension ladder lacking nonconductive side rails when in close proximity to high-voltage power lines.
OSHA's fall prevention campaign provides employers and workers with lifesaving information and educational materials about working safely from ladders, scaffolds and roofs. It was developed in partnership with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH's National Occupational Research Agenda program. More information on fall protection standards is available in English and Spanish at www.osha.gov/stopfalls.
The citations for the willful and serious violations carry $154,000 in proposed penalties.
