OSHA has cited Quinco Steel Inc. of Chicago Heights for four repeat safety violations after people were observed working at heights without fall protection during a January job site inspection in Chicago. The steel erection contractor faces penalties totaling $75,460.

"It is inexcusable to continually fail to protect workers from falls at heights greater than 15 feet, as required by OSHA's standard for steel erection activities," said Gary Anderson, OSHA's area director in Calumet City. "Employers, especially those in hazardous industries, must be responsible for knowing what hazards exist on their job sites and ensuring that workers are not exposed to risks that could result in injury or death."

The violations include failing to attach a lanyard to an aerial lift; failing to provide fall protection for workers climbing over the rails of an aerial lift; allowing a worker to perform detailing operations during steel erection at heights of 27 feet; and allowing another unprotected employee to perform work at a height of 37 feet. 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.

The company has been inspected by OSHA 14 times since 1999. The agency previously issued citations for 13 serious, repeat and willful violations related to aerial lift usage and steel erection.