Oct. 17, 2017

Birmingham Company Cited for Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards

MCDONOUGH, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Structural Subcontractors Service, LLC for exposing workers to fall hazards. The structural framing company, based in Birmingham, Alabama, faces proposed penalties totaling $102,669.

OSHA initiated an inspection on July 7, 2017, as part of the agency’s regional emphasis program to limit falls in construction. During the inspection, OSHA compliance safety and health officers found workers were wearing fall protection harnesses, but were not tied off to prevent a fall. OSHA issued one willful citation for failing to protect employees from fall hazards and two serious citations for exposing employees to falls of approximately nine feet, and for failing to train employees to recognize fall hazards.

“Falls in construction are a leading cause of fatal injuries,” said OSHA Area Director William Fulcher, in Atlanta. “This company knowingly allowed the framers to work on the roof without fall protection.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to 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 http://www.osha.gov.

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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: 17-1200-ATL (155)

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).