Florida contractor cited for exposing workers to falls and other hazards; $162K in penalties proposed
Jasper Contractors was cited by federal OSHA for six safety violations for exposing workers to falls and other hazards while they performed roofing work at two residential work sites in Jacksonville. The inspections were initiated in March 2014 after the agency received complaints that employees were working from roofs without fall protection. Proposed penalties total $162,000.
"Management did not take any action to minimize the fall hazards while the employees worked from residential roofs, even though the workers wore harnesses and there were ropes and anchors on the roof," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, which is why employers must ensure their workers use fall protection systems properly." Willful citations were issued at each of the work sites for allowing employees to perform roofing work at heights of 8 to 12 feet without fall protection. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.