Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in America, and as such, putting workers in harm’s way by ignoring OSHA fall protection rules is not an option. A culture of respect for workers and an understanding of safety guidelines and equipment needs to be communicated from the top down in order to successfully foster a safety-conscious environment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls are the leading cause of construction site fatalities, totaling 378 fatal falls in 2021. What’s worse is that these deaths are preventable when proper OSHA fall protection protocols are followed and enforced.
OSHA Fall Protection Regulations: Not Merely Suggestions
When safety regulations are disregarded as outlined in a recent OSHA press release, workers can suffer serious injuries or possibly even death.
Massachusetts roofing company, The Roof Kings, LLC is facing a fine of $137,508 for repeatedly violating OSHA fall protection regulations during a Dec. 8, 2022 inspection. This comes after the contractor was previously cited $137,196 back in September of that same year for similar violations, as well as four separate cited inspections between 2014 and 2017. The proposed penalties were assessed for their failure to:
- Provide employees with adequate fall protection system.
- Ensure employees’ fall protection equipment was effectively anchored to prevent falls.
- Inspect employees’ personal fall arrest systems prior to each use and remove defective components from service.
- Train employees in fall protection and how to recognize fall hazards.
The company has demonstrated a pattern of negligence by regularly failing to enforce existing OSHA fall protection requirements or implement a safety plan which would serve to further reinforce a safe work site. OSHA Area Director James Mulligan had strong words for The Roof Kings, LLC, stating:
“This company is a serial violator whose ongoing defiance of the law and willingness to put workers at risk of dangerous and disabling falls is troubling and potentially deadly. Workplace safety is not a game of chance, dependent on whether an employer chooses to protect or risk its employees’ well-being from day to day.”
DCI Helps Companies Exceed OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
Providing industry-leading, OSHA-compliant PFA systems and ladders needs to be coupled with support and enforcement by a company’s management and supervisors to fully protect everyone on the job site. DCI understands the profound importance of fall protection technology and equipment.
That’s why we are among the most highly-trusted safety equipment providers in the industry, providing the highest-quality, OSHA-compliant products that put the safety of you and your roofing team first.
Don’t get caught not meeting OSHA fall protection standards. At Design Components, Inc. we can help you to find the Personal Fall Arrest System or Ladder Safety System that meets your unique crew needs and meets OSHA Compliance. Call Us Now at (800) 868-9910 Or Contact Us Now.
