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Six Contractors in Texas Cited for OSHA Construction Site Hazards

Construction sites in Texas are the latest to be cited for work hazards in roving inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), according to a news release issued last week by the Department of Labor from Fort Worth.

Six contractors were cited for allegedly failing to provide adequate fall protection for workers at one apartment construction site.

“Strong enforcement is a key part of this Administration’s efforts to reduce worker fatalities, injuries and illnesses,” said Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. “The significant penalty of $151,200 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers.”

One general contractor was issued citations and proposed penalties of $81,900 for allegedly failing to ensure that workers operating rough terrain forklifts were trained, failing to train workers on the hazards of falls from roofs and unguarded balconies and failing to properly erect and maintain scaffolds.

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The other contractors at the site were cited for similar violations, which also included failing to provide hard hats for workers.

The contractors were given 15 working days from receiving the citations to comply, to request an informal conference with the area director or to contest the penalties and citations before the Independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

NAHB has worked with OSHA to provide its members and others in the residential construction industry with information, training opportunities and guidance that will help them protect the health and safety of their employees. To learn more about this comprehensive alliance, click here.

For information on the many OSHA standards that apply to the residential construction industry, hazards in home building and their solutions, and developing and implementing a safety program, click here.

For publications on safety and OSHA available from BuilderBooks.com, click here. Included among these titles is NAHB and OSHA's "Construction Safety Program Manual," which is a practical guide to designing a comprehensive safety program.

For further information, e-mail Rob Matuga at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8507.
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