December 3, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Missouri Roofing Contractor
For Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards at Three Job Sites

ST. LOUIS, MO – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Martin Davila – operating as Davila Construction – for exposing employees to fall hazards at three separate Missouri job sites in May, June, and August 2019. The residential roofing company faces $205,098 in proposed penalties.

OSHA inspectors issued safety violations at job sites in Wentzville, Grover, and St. Louis. Inspectors cited Davila Construction for failing to provide adequate fall protection for employees working at heights; train employees on fall safety hazards and procedures, and the safe use of ladders; and provide personal protective equipment to employees using pneumatic nail guns. OSHA also alleges the company violated electrical safety standards, and allowed the operation of an internal combustion engines in close proximity to a five-gallon gas can. OSHA also cited Davila for failing to develop and maintain a safety program, a violation for which OSHA cited the company in 2014.

"Workplace safety and health standards are legal requirements adopted to protect workers from hazards on the job," said OSHA St. Louis Area Director Bill McDonald. "Disregarding required OSHA safety procedures places workers at risk for serious and fatal injuries."

OSHA offers compliance assistance resources on Protecting Roofing Workers, safely storing flammable materials, and recommendations for developing a safety and health program.

Martin Davila has 15 business days from receipt of the 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 help 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:
Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 19-1685-KAN

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).