Masonry Contractor Nailed for Repeat Violations at Two Worksites
OSHA's inspections were initiated under a regional emphasis program aimed at preventing injuries and deaths caused by falls. Proposed penalties total $164,120.
OSHA has cited Doraville, Ga.-based masonry contractor Juan Sagredo for safety violations at worksites in Sugar Hill, Ga., and Conyers, Ga. OSHA's inspections were initiated under a regional emphasis program aimed at preventing injuries and deaths caused by falls. Proposed penalties total $164,120.
The inspection in Sugar Hill resulted in citations for four repeat violations carrying penalties of $99,220. The violations involve failing to provide a platform with a guardrail along all open sides and ends, as well as toe boards to protect workers from falling tools and materials; failing to supply ladders for employees to use when accessing working levels of scaffolding; failing to provide eye and face protection for workers who operate machinery, such as mixers; and exposing workers to an unguarded concrete mixer blade. The company received citations for similar violations in 2008 and 2010.
Additionally, the company received a citation with a $3,300 penalty for a group of serious violations, including failing to develop and maintain a written hazard communication program, maintain required copies of material safety data sheets, and inform workers about hazardous chemicals in their work areas.
OSHA's inspection of the company's job site in Conyers resulted in a citation for one repeat violation, carrying a $61,600 proposed penalty, for failing to install guardrails along all open sides and ends of the scaffold platforms. This was the third time the company was cited for a similar violation.
One other-than-serious citation with no monetary penalty also was cited for failing to certify that operators of a powered industrial truck had been trained and certified.
"Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry, and employers must take proper precautions to ensure the safety of their employees. OSHA will not tolerate companies that endanger their workers," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office.