Region 5 News Release: 13-1267-CHI
July 10, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Site Maintenance Inc. facing 8 OSHA safety citations, $73,920 in penalties for failing
to provide fall protection for roofers at two Schaumburg, Ill., job sites

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Elgin-based Site Maintenance Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration with willful, repeat and serious safety violations that carry proposed penalties of $73,920. The company failed to provide employees who worked on roofs with fall protection at two job sites in Schaumburg based on inspections conducted on April 22 and 30.

"Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Not providing fall protection to workers assigned to work on steep-pitch roofs is inexcusable," said Diane Turek, OSHAs area director for OSHAs Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. "The roofing industry is well aware of the safety requirements necessary to protect their workers. The companys repeat violations show a profound lack of commitment to worker safety and health."

One willful violation was cited for failing to provide and ensure the use of fall protection during roofing work on pitched roof surfaces. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the laws requirement, or plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Additionally, three repeat violations were cited, including failing to provide fall protection for workers on a roof at a second job site, and two incidents of failing to ensure the use of head protection. OSHA issues repeat violations if an employer previously was cited for the same or a similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The same violations were cited in 2008 at two job sites in Elgin and Schaumburg.

Four serious violations involve using an indoor power strip not rated for outdoor conditions and use; failing to provide a ground fault circuit interrupter on a generator; failing to provide approved containers for flammable liquids; workers climbing ladders while carrying objects that can cause a loss of balance; and using an extension ladder on uneven surfaces. An OSHA violation is considered serious if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.

Site Maintenance Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and notice of proposed penalties to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. If the company does not file or contest within that period, it must abate the cited conditions within the period ordered in the citations and pay the proposed penalties.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHAs toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agencys Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHAs role is to ensure these conditions for Americas 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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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.