OSHA cites AWS Roofing for exposing workers to fall hazard

Employer name: AWS Roofing Services Inc.

Inspection site: 2607 Hill Street, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168

Citations issued: Citations were issued to the employer on Dec. 8.

Investigation findings: Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed employees installing metal roofing on a new three-story multi-family building without fall protection. OSHA issued the employer one willful citation for not providing a personal fall system to protect workers from falling from heights up to 30 feet.

Proposed penalties: $56,000

Quote: "Falls in construction continue to be a leading cause of occupational fatalities," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "Employers have a legal obligation to ensure their workers can perform their duties safely, which includes providing any necessary equipment, such as a fall protection system, on all job sites."

The citations can be viewed at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/AWSRoofingServices_1102412.pdf

AWS Roofing specializes in tile, metal and commercial flat roofs. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Jacksonville Area Office at 904-232-2895.