OSHA Fines Georgia Construction Contractor for Safety Lapses Following Fatal Worker Fall

OSHA Fines Georgia Construction Contractor for Safety Lapses Following Fatal Worker Fall

NOR-D LLC faces $61,065 in proposed penalties following the death of a 54-year-old worker.

Following a fatal fall at a Macon, Georgia, warehouse, construction contractor NOR-D LLC has become the subject of an OSHA investigation, resulting in proposed penalties of $61,065. 

According to a recent release, the November 2023 incident—which claimed the life of a 54-year-old worker—occurred on the first day of a five-man crew's assignment to remove tar and stone from metal roof panels. While dumping debris off the roof, the worker stepped on a skylight and fell approximately 19 feet, ultimately succumbing to severe injuries hours later.

OSHA’s investigation revealed that NOR-D LLC failed to equip employees with the required fall protection systems. The company also neglected to notify OSHA within the mandated eight hours following the incident. In a follow-up inspection two months later, OSHA inspectors found the company still did not provide the essential safety measures.

“After more than 20 years of experience as a roofing and framing contractor, NOR-D LLC should know the work its employees do is dangerous and potentially fatal, especially when safety protocols are ignored,” OSHA Area Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta said in a statement. “Falls are widely known as the leading cause of death in the construction industry and had required fall protections been in place in this case, a worker’s family, friends and co-workers would not be left now to grieve a terrible loss.”

OSHA identified nine serious violations by NOR-D LLC, including the absence of fall protection systems, lack of safety guardrails on skylights, improper use of forklifts, defective ladders, and failure to provide protective eyewear and adequate training for forklift operators. The agency also noted that the company did not ensure timely medical treatment for the injured worker.

NOR-D LLC now has 15 business days from the receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the agency’s findings.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • EMSL Analytical, Inc. - Air Sampling Supplies & Testing Labs

    EMSL Analytical, Inc. operates laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for Asbestos, Mold, Silica, Lead & Metals, Bacteria, Legionella, USP , Combustion By-Products, VOC’s, Radon, PCB’s, Formaldehyde, METH/Fentanyl, Identification of Dust & Unknowns. Sampling Pumps, Cassettes, Media & Supplies available. Reach us at 1-800.220.3675 Read More

  • Safety Shower Test Cart

    The Safety Shower Test Cart speeds up and simplifies emergency shower tests, ensures you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations, and significantly reduces testing costs. With 7 unique features, the cart makes testing easy, effective, and efficient. You can test water clarity, flow, temperature, and spread—all at the same time! Most safety shower testing kits create a mess, take too much time to use, and don't fully help you stay in compliance with OSHA & ANSI standards. Transform the way you test emergency showers with Green Gobbler Safety. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars