OSHA Fines Great White Construction $1.5 Million

A Jacksonville, Fla. roofing contractor once again has been cited by OSHA for failing to protect its worker from falls and other hazards.

Great White Construction Inc. has racked up $1,523,710 in proposed penalties after investigators observed employees improperly using fall protection at recent inspections.

“In the past five years, Great White Construction’s series of willful, serious, and repeat violations has demonstrated indifference towards the safety of their employees,” said OSHA regional administrator Kurt Petermeyer in a statement. “The company allowed their employees to work without fall protection and made no reasonable effort to eliminate the hazard.”

On Feb. 3, OSHA inspectors at one location discovered workers removing shingles and sheeting were wearing unsecured fall protection harnesses. At a second, nearby location, similar violations were found, triggering a second inspection immediately.

Overall, Great White Construction was cited with 14 violations. An extensive prior history led the agency to issue 11 willful violations for failing to protect employees from fall hazards. OSHA also cited the company for three repeat violations for failing to ensure employees used eye protection while operating nail guns and for ladders used to access roof sites.

Since 2012, OSHA has investigated Great White 12 times and issued 22 citations related to improper fall protection, ladder safety, and eye protection. A full list of violations can be found on OSHA’s website.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

This article retrieved from EHSToday.com