Construction Company Slapped with OSHA Fine Over Worker Fatality
The U.S. Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed a $539,000 penalty on a construction company following the investigation of a roofing worker who fell 40 feet to his death. According to a statement on the Department of Labor's Web site, the company was cited for 10 "per-instance" willful citations for failing to protect their workers from falls.
OSHA officials began their investigation in August 2009 and discovered that the construction company failed to provide any fall protection to employees working on a pitched roof 40 feet off the ground. Also, the company failed to train a newly hired college student with regard to the dangers of roofing work and the adopting necessary safety measures. Officials say falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Failure to provide employees with fall protection often causes serious injury or fatal constructions site accidents in Phoenix and throughout the state of Arizona.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. When employers fail to provide a healthy or safe environment for their workers, they could be held accountable. Construction workers injured on the job in Arizona are usually covered by workers compensation benefits. However, when the injury or fatality occurs as a result of negligence or wrongdoing, third party claims may be filed against other groups, such as a contractor or a sub-contractor, who may have contributed to the dangerous working condition or allowed the hazard at the site to exist.
If you have suffered injuries in a Phoenix construction accident, please contact Breyer Law Offices, P.C. We pride ourselves in being a firm that provides answers and guidance for those that do not know where to turn after construction accidents. We will remain by your side, guide you through what can be a complicated legal process, and make sure that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/osha/osha20100074.htm
