Email sent to ISHN Chief Editor Dave Johnson:

Since you dealt with problems before here I have a good one for you.

I just got hired last week as a Construction Superintendent. I have OSHA training and other safety training. I am 67 years old and was out of work for over 3 yrs.

The jobs are a 10,000 square foot house, 80% completed, and a 12,000 square foot new house poured in place walls with a masonry upper half.

I have been telling the mason contractor that his scaffolding is unsafe and not OSHA approved. I also told my boss and the contractor.

My boss said; “Let them work.” The mason contractor won’t return my calls and the job foremen said don't bother his men.

So as of today, the job condition is very UNSAFE for the working crews (there are about ten other things that are not OSHA approved at the job site).

WHAT DO I DO?? I’m new and would get fired if I take action.

Also if any major injuries or deaths occurred, I would be held responsible as a project supervisor.

NO one is listening to me.

I am logging all of these problems for my protection. I have also called a lawyer for advice.

What is the best solution? Quit and get no pay – and no unemployment with only two weeks on the job.

Who can fight for my rights? Also my further lost Income?

-Lester from Long Beach

Lester’s story is far from unique in the construction industry, and “gets at the heart of why safety jobs are problematic,” said Johnson.

What’s your take on Lester’s predicament? If he were to quit, he’d be out of a job and pay – and the workers on the site would be no safer. If he continues to work on the projects, will he – as he suggests – be responsible if an injury (or worse) occurs?

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