Gonzalez Stucco & Stone Cited for Fall Hazards
OSHA has proposed more than $54,000 in fines.
According to an OSHA news release, the agency has cited Gonzalez Stucco & Stone LLC for four repeat and one serious safety violation following an inspection at a residential construction site at 283 Bentley Court. The Auburn, Ala.-based company faces a proposed penalty of $54,120.
Repeat violations accounted for $52,360 of the penalties and were issued for allegedly exposing workers to falls ranging from 18 to 26 feet. The employer failed to plank scaffolds fully, ensure guardrails were installed on open sides, and provide adequate access to scaffolding, as well as neglecting to provide fall protection devices for workers preparing to lay brick around a chimney, according to OSHA.
The serious citation was issued for exposing workers to falls up to 26 feet and failing to train employees regarding scaffolding hazards. The penalty for that citation is $1,760.
"Falls continue to be a leading cause of death for employees. For an employer to expose workers continually to fall hazards is unacceptable and will result in OSHA vigorously enforcing the requirements to protect employees," said Joseph Roesler, director of OSHA's Mobile Area Office.