Texas Drywall Contractor Fined $60,000 Following Worker's Fatal Fall

OSHA has cited Sills-Swindell Inc. for two alleged willful and one repeat violation with proposed penalties totaling $60,000 following a fatality at the company's worksite in Richardson, Texas.

OSHA's Dallas Area Office conducted its inspection on Nov. 26, 2008, at the site, finding two willful violations for failing to follow applicable manufacturer's recommendations for loading equipment on a lift truck and to provide fall protection to prevent employees from falling off scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level. A willful citation is issued for violations committed with disregard of or plain indifference to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations. The repeat violation was for failing to provide employees with the required training to operate industrial powered equipment. A repeat violation is defined as a violation that previously was cited where, upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation is found.

"This company failed to protect employees who were working on elevated platforms," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "In this case, a worker was unloading materials from a box that was being elevated on a lift truck that became unstable, causing the worker to fall 36 feet to his death."

The Cedar Hill, Texas-based company does plastering, drywall, acoustical, and insulation work. It has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Dallas area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Dallas area employers and workers with questions about safety and health can call 214-320-2400 or OSHA's hotline at 800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities, or imminent dangers.

Product Showcase

  • Halo™ Swing-Activated Faucet and Emergency Eyewash

    Halo™ Swing-Activated Faucet and Emergency Eyewash

    Bradley’s combined Halo™ Swing-Activated Faucet and Emergency Eyewash is a convenient space saver for tight workspaces. During regular faucet use, the eyewash is stored out of the way. In an emergency, the Halo eyewash is immediately activated when it is swung out 90 degrees over the sink. In less than one second, the faucet is deactivated while the eyewash is directly positioned over the sink for use. Designed with a durable ceramic valve that limits wear on moving parts, this swing-activated model provides dependability and long-lasting performance. 3

  • AirWave

    AirWave

    Say hello to the N95 mask that is so comfortable and easy breathing, it can positively impact worker productivity and happiness on the job. The AirWave’s proprietary pleated design makes breathing easier and comes in multiple sizes with an adjustable strap for a customizable fit. Airwaves also have an ultra-tough Dura-Mesh® shell that resists collapse even in the hottest and most humid conditions. They have a metal-free molded nose bridge that seals easily without a metal noseband for added protection and comfort. It’s official: AirWave is a difference you can feel. 3

  • Safety Knives

    Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company LLC has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal-detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. machines and is X-ray visible. 3

Featured