OSHA cited Alabama-based R Coast Construction for exposing employees to fall hazards at a company worksite in Gulf Shores, Ala., according to a news release. The framing contractor faces $79,181 in penalties for the alleged violations.
The inspection was initiated as part of OSHA’s Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction after agency employees observed R Coast Construction employees performing residential framing activities without fall protection. OSHA cited the framing contractor for allowing employees to work from an aerial lift without fall protection, for failing to train and certify employees to operate powered industrial trucks, and for failing to require employees to use a fall protection system.
“Serious injuries can occur when employees are not provided adequate fall protection,” said acting Mobile, Ala., area office director Jose Gonzalez. “Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure all recognized workplace hazards are corrected.”
R Coast Construction has 15 business days from the receipt of OSHA citations and proposed penalties to either comply, contest the findings, or request an informal conference with their OSHA area director.