June 11, 2015

Statement by OSHA on indictment of roofing company owner charged today
in employee's fatal fall

PHILADELPHIA - Robert D. Kulick, acting OSHA regional administrator in Philadelphia, issued the following statement about roofing company owner James J. McCullagh being charged by indictment today in connection with the fatal fall of an employee.

"Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and it's no secret how critical fall protection is to saving worker's lives. OSHA cited James J. McCullagh for not protecting his workers and not providing a safe work environment. We are hopeful that this indictment will lead to accountability for this unnecessary and totally preventable workplace fatality, and most importantly, that his family will finally see justice," said Robert D. Kulick, acting OSHA regional administrator in Philadelphia. "Employers who fail to fulfill their legal responsibilities to provide safe and healthy workplaces, who provide false statements to OSHA, and who coerce their employees to provide false statements will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

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Media Contacts:

Joanna Hawkins, 215-861-5101, hawkins.joanna@dol.gov
Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

Release Number: 15-1173-PHI (osha 15-044)

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