Subcontractor Fined for Risking Workers' Lives

Jan. 11, 2000
Lawrence Johnson Masonry was fined after an unscheduled inspection last August revealed that employees were working on scaffolds with no fall protection.

A subcontractor installing masonry and brick for the Harrah's Casino Parking Garage Complex in New Orleans, La. will pay the price for gambling with its workers' lives.

OSHA has cited Lawrence Johnson Masonry, New Orleans, La., for five alleged safety violations with proposed penalties of $82,750.

The violations were discovered during an unscheduled inspection conducted on Aug. 6, 1999 when bricklayers and framers were working on scaffolds with no fall protection.

OSHA cited the company with three willful and two serious violations.

One of the willful violations was for not properly constructing scaffolding used by employees.

The second willful violation was for not having the work platform at least 18 inches wide to provide workers adequate space for moving or turning while on the platform.

The third willful violation was for not having proper access to the work platform of the scaffold. According to the OSH Act, unless the scaffold framework is specifically designed with a built in ladder, workers are not allowed to climb the framework.

The company was also cited for allowing construction debris to build up a the scaffolding base and for not properly training employees on how to recognize and evaluate the hazards of working on scaffolding.

Lawrence Johnson Masonry has 15 working days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal hearing with the Baton Rouge area director, or to contest the citations and penalties.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!