June 12, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Finds Wisconsin Contractor Continues
To Expose Roofers to Falls and Other Safety Hazards

APPLETON, WI ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Appleton roofing contractor Hector Hernandez again after OSHA inspectors observed employees exposed to falls and other safety hazards at two Wisconsin job sites. OSHA proposed penalties of $120,320.

Hernandez, who operates Town City Construction, was cited for one repeated and two willful violations for failing to provide fall protection, train workers on fall hazards, properly install an extension ladder for safe egress, and provide required ladder jack scaffold components.

“Employers are required to provide fall protection to employees working in construction at heights above 6 feet,” said Robert Bonack, OSHA Appleton Area Office Director. “This employer’s repeated failure to comply with federal safety requirements exposes employees to fatal injuries from fall hazards.”

Hernandez has 15 business days from receipt of his citations and 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.

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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 18-844-CHI

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).