Masonry contractor JC Stucco and Stone Inc. has been cited by OSHA for three willful and three repeat safety violations. OSHA's March 2014 inspection was initiated in response to a referral by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections due to an imminent threat to worker health and safety at the site.

In SVEP since 2011

The investigation found workers were exposed to fall hazards while applying stucco to the exterior of a residential construction site. The proposed penalties total $235,700.

"This employer was placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program in 2011 after multiple instances of repeated, high-gravity violations," said Nicholas DeJesse, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office. "By refusing to provide the proper fall protection, this company is putting workers' lives at risk. Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. Protecting workers from fall hazards must be a priority."

Falls to lower levels

The willful violations, carrying a $200,500 penalty, were cited for the company's failure to use scaffolding with adequate bracing to prevent tipping or collapse and to provide fall protection for employees working up to a height of 32 feet. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls to lower levels accounted for 11 percent of all worker fatalities suffered in the Philadelphia area during 2012, the most recent year with available data.

In addition, the agency issued repeat citations, with a $35,200 penalty, for additional scaffolding hazards, lack of training on fall dangers and the company's failure to develop and implement a hazard communication program. The company was cited for similar violations in 2011 and 2012.

Citations can be viewed at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/JCStuccoandStoneCitationPackage965013.pdf*.