February 21, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Residential Roofing Contractor
For Exposing Employees to Safety Hazards At Two Alabama Worksites

PHENIX CITY, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Jaime Martinez Hernandez – a residential framing contractor based in Phenix City, Alabama – for exposing employees to fall and struck-by hazards at two Alabama worksites. The contractor faces $240,880 in penalties.

OSHA conducted the inspections in conjunction with the agency’s Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction after investigators observed employees working from heights without fall protection at worksites in Auburn and Opelika. OSHA cited the contractor for failing to train employees on fall hazards, allowing employees to engage in framing activities without fall protection and not requiring them to wear eye protection when using pneumatic nail guns. In addition, OSHA cited the contractor for allowing employees to use a ladder that did not extend at least 3 feet past the upper landing of a structure and use of the top step of an A-frame ladder.

OSHA has inspected this contractor six times in the past five years, citing him 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 Area Office Director Jose Gonzalez, in Mobile, Alabama.

OSHA’s floor joist installation and decking factsheet explains fall protection requirements, using the right fall protection system and proper use of ladders.

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

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contacts:

Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov
Michael D’Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov

Release Number:  20-192-ATL (55)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).