Ohio Contractor was Cited and Penalized for Exposing Construction Roofers to Deadly Fall Hazards Six Times Throughout the Past Three Years
JHM Roofing LLC ignored OSHA’s citations due to repeated fall hazards over the past few years.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Aug 03, 2021
OSHA cited a Millersburg contractor for exposing its workers to deadly fall hazards for the sixth time in three years while fall protection PPE was not used at a Medina residential work site. The contractor had not been cooperating with safety inspectors. On April 28, 2021, OSHA inspectors observed roofers employed by JMH Roofing LLC working up to 24 feet off the ground. Two willful, two repeat and two serious violations were issued.
OSHA cited the company and owner, Jonas Hershberger, and proposed penalties of $136,453. The agency requires the use of fall protection at heights greater than six feet. Inspectors also discovered that the five-person crew was not wearing the required eye, face or head protection. It was determined that JMH roofing did not have an effective safety and health program as well as failed to check work sites for safety hazards and ensure compliance.
“Fall hazards make roofing work among the most dangerous jobs in construction. Yet too often, OSHA inspectors respond to reports of workers without protective gear and find safety equipment on-site but not in use,” explained OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts in Cleveland. “When an employer requires employees to work from heights, they must provide fall protection and appropriate equipment, and train workers to use he equipment safely.”
According to a press release, in February of 2021, June 2020 and May 2018, OSHA cited RAM Roofing LLC for similar hazards. Also owned by Hershberger, the company was cited in April and September of 2019 resulting in $137,441 in penalties. Hershberger refused to respond to the citations, provide abatement or pay any penalties.
The press release also says, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports in 2019 that more that 1,061 construction workers died on the job; 401 of them are from falls from elevation. In the Fiscal Year of 2020, fall protection in construction was most frequently cited by OSHA inspectors. Visit OSHA’s stop falls website, offering safety information and video presentations to teach workers about both hazards and proper safety procedures. JMH Roofing LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent OSHRC.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.