A serious workplace injury or fatality that can occur from a negligent safety violation can create serious consequences for a victim and the employer. A Colorado worker that does suffer a workplace injury may question the safety standards surrounding their position and how that may have contributed to their physical damages. A roofing company was recently fined $162,000 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failure to provide proper safety and protection to employees.
The agency accused the contractor of six violations that included employee exposure to fall hazards and risks while working. Officials claim that the company’s management intentionally failed to provide fall protection to workers in addition to visible safety harnesses. A number of workers were found to be roofing at 10 to 12 foot heights illegally, without appropriate preventative equipment.
The roofers were investigated while completing residential maintenance and installation. Records reveal that many of the workers did not wear eye protection, head protection and other safety gear that should have been made available. The citation also notes that many of the crews were operating without an emergency first aid kit or maintaining proper ladder use.
Reports indicate that the investigations were instigated after OSHA received new and current claims against the roofing company. The small company has been cited in the past for similar violations that did not protect employees from potential fall accidents. When an employee of a Colorado business suffers a workplace injury, they may require financial assistance for medical costs and time off. Some people may choose to get help with collecting workers’ comp benefits and ensuring that all applicable benefits are provided.
Source: forconstructionpros.com, “Roofing Contractor Faces $162K in Fines for Lack of Fall Protection and PPE“, , Oct. 1, 2014