Stucco Contractor Plastered with Fines for Scaffolding Hazards
The company's repeat violations are similar to others previously cited for lack of safe access and egress to a scaffold structure, and not protecting employees from falls when working at heights from a scaffold structure.
OSHA has cited Keystone Stucco Inc. of Olathe, Kan., for two repeat and one serious violation based on a December 2010 inspection in which employees were observed working from scaffolding without proper fall protection. The agency has proposed a total of $147,000 in penalties.
"There is no excuse for employees to be exposed to such hazards. Scaffold accidents are a leading cause of construction-related injuries and fatalities," 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."
The company's repeat violations are similar to others previously cited for lack of safe access and egress to a scaffold structure, and not protecting employees from falls when working at heights from a scaffold structure.
The serious violation addresses hazards associated with improper use of a portable ladder and a failure to adequately train personnel in ladder use.
Information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html. Information on scaffold hazards and safe work practices, including an interactive e-tool, is also available online at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/index.html.