OSHA cited a roofer for at least the second time after OSHA, this month, observed the roofer’s employees being once again exposed to falls and other safety hazards at two job sites. OSHA is proposing penalties in the amount of $120,320.00. The man who operates the roofing company was cited for one repeated and two willful violations for failing to train workers regarding fall hazards, failing to properly install an extension ladder for safe egress, failing to provide a required ladder jack, failing to provide scaffolding components, and failing to provide fall protection. These problems occur frequently with Texas contractors and employers.
An OSHA director said, “Employers are required to provide fall protection to employees working in construction at heights above 6 feet.” This is clearly true with Texas workers, and Texas workers who suffer a work injury while being employed by a company without worker’s compensation coverage might be able to obtain legal help.
It should be clear to any company which has workers working at any height above ground level that fall protection should be a consideration. Such Texas employers should review OSHA rules and regulations to determine appropriate action to take to protect employees. Texas companies, including those in McKinney, have a non-delegable duty to provide safe workplaces for Texas workers. When they do not do so, and an employee is injured in a work accident, they can be liable for all of the damages which result.
