U.S. Department of Labor Cites West Virginia Contractor After Employee Injured in Roof Fall, Proposes Penalties Totaling $86,916

PRINCETON, WV – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Benco Builders of the Virginias Inc. for multiple safety hazards, including lack of fall protection, after an employee suffered serious injuries from a 19-foot fall off a roof. The Princeton-based contractor faces proposed penalties totaling $86,916.

OSHA inspected a work site where Benco was the general contractor responsible for demolishing an existing structure and constructing two steel/metal buildings. OSHA issued a willful citation for failure to provide and require employees to wear fall protection during roofing work. The Agency also cited the company with eight serious violations for exposing workers to electrical, scaffolding, and forklift hazards; and for providing defective and uninspected fall protection equipment. OSHA also issued one other-than-serious citation for not developing and implementing a written hazard communication program for hazardous materials.

“Falls remain the leading cause of injury and death in the construction industry,” said OSHA Area Office Director Prentice Cline, in Charleston. “Employers must provide proper fall protection and follow all safety requirements to prevent incidents like this from occurring.”

To see a copy of the citations:  https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/BencoBuildersoftheVirginias_1240638.pdf.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.