OSHA cited Phenix City, Ala.-based residential framing contractor Jamie Martinez Hernandez for exposing employees to falls and struck-by hazards at two separate worksites. Hernandez faces a total of $240,880 for the alleged safety violations, according to an OSHA news release.
The agency conducted inspections in conjunction with its Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction after investigators observed employees working from heights without fall protection at worksites in Auburn, Ala., and Opelika, Ala. OSHA cited Hernandez for failing to train employees on fall hazards, allowing employees to engage in framing activities without fall protection, and not requiring employees to wear eye protection when using pneumatic nail guns. Additionally, OSHA cited the contractor for allowing employees to use ladders that did not extend at least 3 feet past the upper landing of a structure and for use of the top step of an A-frame ladder.
Hernandez has been inspected six times in the past five years and has been cited for willful, repeat, and serious violations for lack of eye and fall protection, and other fall-related hazards.
“Allowing workers to perform residential framing activities without utilizing required safety measures unnecessarily places them at risk for serious or fatal injuries,” said OSHA Mobile, Ala., area office director Jose Gonzalez.
Hernandez has 15 business days from the receipt of citations and proposed penalties to comply, request and informal hearing with their OSHA area director, or contest the findings.
