Despite being placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, Illinois Roofing Contractor Robert Barringer III continues to demonstrate a “callous disregard” for safety.
Since 2006, Barringer’s various business entities have been cited for fall protection and other safety hazards. His company is currently in default on OSHA penalties.
The latest citations come after an OSHA inspector observed five roofers working at a height of 13 feet without adequate fall protection, leading to proposed penalties of $89,100. OSHA issued citations to Barringer Brothers Roofing on July 29 for two willful, two repeated and six serious safety violations.
Barringer was placed in the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program after citing fall hazards on three separate job sites just four months earlier. Those fines totaled $103,840.
His company also has failed to initiate and maintain an accident prevention program, a hazard cited by OSHA in 2013.
"Robert Barringer has shown a callous disregard for the safety of his employees and utter indifference to the law. OSHA will use every option available to us to hold him accountable for his shameless behavior," said Aaron Priddy, OSHA's area director in Fairview Heights in a statement.
The agency has cited Robert Barringer III previously under the operating names Barringer Brothers Roofing, Barringer Brothers Inc. and Barringer Brothers Construction Inc.
The department is currently working to collect all monies owed as a result of the previously levied and affirmed penalties.
Barringer Brothers Roofing has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.