In a release dated the 8th September 2023, a Missouri roofing contractor has been cited and fined by the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) for repeatedly violating safety standards and causing the death of an 18-year-old worker who fell from a roof.
The worker was applying sealant to a commercial building’s roof in Trenton, MO, on March 27th, 2023, when he fell more than 22 feet and suffered serious injuries. He died five days later in a coma.
The employer, Troyer Constructors LLP, operating as Troyer Roofing & Coatings, did not stop the work after the fall and let two other workers continue on the same roof without fall protection until the end of their shift. OSHA inspectors discovered that fall protection was available, but the company allowed employees to choose whether or not to use it.
The OSHA investigation and the citations
OSHA cited the employer for one willful violation, three serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation and proposed penalties of $205,369. The agency had cited the company for similar fall protection violations in 2015.
Officials found that the employer neglected to train employees on both the use of fall protection and proper forklift operations. The roofing contractor also failed to supply workers with essential face and eye protection and lacked a written hazard communication program for the chemicals and sealants they used.
OSHA Area Director Karena Lorek in Kansas City, Missouri says,
“Employers have an obligation to comply with requirements that are designed to prevent tragedies such as this from occurring.”
“Troyer Roofing & Coatings could have prevented this young worker’s death by requiring their employees to use fall protection equipment,”
Troyer Roofing & Coatings now has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal OSHA conference, or challenge the findings.
Helpful safety resources
OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign offers safety information and video presentations in English and Spanish to teach workers about fall hazards and proper safety procedures. Besides obtaining information, paperless forms and record management solutions aimed at standardising safe work methods can help remove friction and admin labour in maintaining consistently good safety practices.
OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small employers, with priority given to high-hazard worksites, like construction. Companies interested in the program can contact their local OSHA On-Site Consultation program to schedule an on-site safety and health evaluation.
Sources
Federal inspectors find Missouri roofing contractor allowed employees to work without fall protection, leading to young worker’s fatal injuries by OSHA, 8th September, 2023.
Missouri Roofing Company Faces $205,369 in Fines Following Employee’s Fatal Fall by OHS Online, 12th September, 2023.
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