OSHA Proposes $195,200 in Fines against Pelham, Ala. Masonry Contractor

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.occupationalhazards.com/News/Article/78543/OSHA_Proposes_195200_in_Fines_against_Pelham_Ala_Masonry_Contractor.aspx

February 20, 2008

By Laura Walter

A Pelham, Ala., masonry contractor was hit with $195,200 in proposed fines after OSHA inspectors identified a total of 21 violations, including inadequate scaffolding construction, fall protection and PPE.

OSHA cited Herrera’s Construction for eight repeat violations with proposed fines totaling $160,000 after visiting jobsites in Birmingham and Calera, Ala. The violations include failure to properly erect scaffolding, failure to address fall protection
and allowing employees to work without PPE. OSHA cited Herrera’s Construction for similar violations in 2005.

In addition to the repeat violations, OSHA inspectors also uncovered 13 serious violations with a combined total of $35,200 in proposed penalties.

"Poorly constructed scaffolding and a careless attitude toward fall protection caused unnecessary risks for this company's employees," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's area director in Birmingham. "OSHA will not tolerate lackadaisical attitudes about safety."

Herrera’s Construction has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the violations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.