OSHA cited Webb Contractor Corp. for exposing employees to fall hazards at three separate worksites in the Lehigh Valley, Pa., area. The Bala Cynwyd, Pa.-based roofing company was fined $605,371 for the alleged violations, according to an OSHA news release.
The agency initiated an investigation after a compliance officer observed employees performing residential roofing work without fall protection at a Macungie, Pa., worksite. The employer then voluntarily agreed to remove employees from the hazardous conditions at the worksite. OSHA later conducted two similar inspections, in Emmaus, Pa., and Bethleham, Pa., after complaints of fall hazards. Webb Contractor Corp. was cited for eight willful, two repeat, and three serious safety violations for the failure to provide fall protection and for exposing employees to safety hazards.
“Employers must ensure that employees working from heights are provided and wear proper fall protection,” said principal deputy assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “OSHA has educational resources readily available to help employers understand how to comply with the law.”
The roofing contractor has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with its OSHA area director, or contest the findings.
