Roofing Firm Charged with Willfully Endangering Workers in Omaha, Neb.
OSHA has cited Miranda Roofing in Omaha, Neb., for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health OSH Act and has proposed $148,400 in penalties against the company. The agency cited the roofing company for two alleged willful, one alleged repeat, and one alleged serious violation following an inspection that found employees exposed to fall hazards without fall protection.
The alleged willful violations stem from the company's failure to instruct workers in recognizing, avoiding, and eliminating unsafe conditions when they are exposed to falling to the next lower level and the lack of fall protection when workers are exposed to fall hazards. OSHA issues a willful violation when an employer exhibits plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
The alleged repeat violation stems from improper placement of a portable ladder. OSHA issues a repeat citation when the employer has been issued a violation for a substantially similar hazard in the previous three years that has become a final order.
The alleged serious violation stems from the lack of instruction in the proper uses, placement and care of portable ladders. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard that an employer knew or should have known about.
"There is no excuse for the lack of fall protection, and it's outrageous to think that employers still allow employees to be exposed to fall hazards without ensuring fall protection is in use," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards and provide a safe working environment for all of their employees to prevent accidents from occurring."
The company has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.