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OSHA Cites Stucco Contractor for 3rd Year

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed $118,650 in fines against a Tennessee-based stucco contractor for 15 alleged repeat and serious violations of safety standards, making this the third consecutive year OSHA has cited the company.

OSHA's inspection found that employees of 4 Brothers Stucco Co., of Cleveland, Tenn., working on scaffolding, in an aerial lift, and on the roof at a Connecticut worksite were exposed to falls of up to 22 feet. The inspection also identified electrical, overhead and chemical hazard communication deficiencies at the worksite.

"These sizable fines reflect both the seriousness and recurring nature of several of the conditions cited here," said C. William Freeman III, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn. "Keep in mind that falls are the number one killer in construction work and can occur in an instant. Be it a scaffold, an aerial lift, or a roof, proper and effective fall protection must be in place and in use at all times."

4 Brothers, which also operates as VP Stucco Co. Inc., was issued six repeat citations with $84,000 in proposed penalties for:

• No fall protection for employees in an aerial lift
• Lack of guardrails on the scaffold
• Employees climbing the scaffold's side and cross braces
• Employees not trained to recognize scaffold hazards
• No protective helmets
• Failing to have the scaffold erected and dismantled under the supervision of a competent person.

OSHA cited the company in 2007 and 2008 for similar hazards at worksites in Concord, N.H., and Plainville, Conn.

The most recent inspection also resulted in nine serious citations, with $34,650 in proposed penalties, for:

• Employees working on a roof without fall protection
• An improperly supported scaffold
• Unguarded walkways between scaffolds
• Using an ungrounded extension cord to power a mixing drill
• Lack of a hazard communication program, training, material safety data sheets, and protective gloves for employees working with cement and hazardous chemicals

OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the citations and proposed penalty before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.