OSHA cited a Neenah, Wisconsin contracting firm for failing to provide fall protection devises for their workers and also failed to provide related training.
GTO Contractors could be fined up to $122,000 for the violations from 2 construction sites. OSHA investigators discovered roofers were exposed to fall hazards for roof repair in Janesville and Middleton. The investigators found workers on a steep roof and were not taking proper safety precautions.
GTO has been cited for similar violations 5 times by OSHA since 2007.
OSHA has been cracking down on violators since re-instating the stricter fall safety rules last year. The directive requires more training and safety precautions for workers who are working above ground by 6 feet. The new directive states that construction employees must comply with the Federal Regulation 1926.501(b)(13) and may no longer use alternate safety methods.
Federal Regulation 1926.501(b)(13) “Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502.”
