Fall Hazards Net Contractor $157,600 in Proposed Penalties
OSHA has issued citations with proposed penalties totaling $157,600 to Shelby Stephens Construction Inc., a Fort Worth, Texas-based contractor, for allegedly failing to protect employees from falls and falling objects at two of its worksites in Garland, Texas. The agency cited the wood-framing company, which has 19 employees, for eight alleged serious and 15 alleged repeat violations following two OSHA inspections which began on Jan.7 at the company's worksite at 5085 President George Bush Freeway and Feb. 11 at 310 Town Center Blvd. in Garland. The investigations revealed that employees were not being adequately protected from falls and falling objects, and other workplace hazards.
"This is not the first time this employer has exposed its employees to unsafe working conditions," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "Protecting employees from potential fall hazards is critical, and employers must follow OSHA's standards to provide a healthful working environment. It is fortunate in this case that no injuries occurred."
The serious violations at the President George Bush Freeway location were for failing to: extend the end of platforms at least 6 inches over the centerline of its support, ensure that 10-foot platforms extended more than 12 inches over their support, and provide a ladder at all points of access. Serious violations at the Town Center Boulevard worksite included failure to install adequate bracing on scaffolding and to ensure scaffold poles were set on a firm foundation.
Repeat violations include the company’s failure to provide employees with fall protection equipment, such as helmets; to provide employees with personal protective equipment when working with power tools, such as goggles to protect the eyes; and to ensure platforms and walkways are at least 18 inches in width. Shelby has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Dallas, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.