OSHA Proposes $173,000 in Fines Against West Haven, Conn., Roofing Contractor

A West Haven, Conn., roofing contractor's failure to supply fall protection for its employees at a Farmington, Conn., worksite has resulted in $173,000 in proposed fines from OSHA.

Quality Roofing Systems Inc. was cited for a total of 11 alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards at its worksite following an OSHA inspection begun on July 17, 2007, after an agency inspector observed Quality Roofing employees exposed to falls of eight to 20 feet while working at or near the unprotected edges of flat and steep-pitched roofs. OSHA standards mandate that fall protection be provided when employees work six feet or higher above the next lower level.

Additional hazards found on the job site included lack of guardrails, stairways and ladders; lack of head and foot protection; overhead hazards; an ungrounded electrical generator; no fire extinguisher; lack of fall protection for employees working in a hoisting area; and employees using and storing equipment on the roof.