U.S. Department of Labor Finds Ohio Contractor Continues To Expose Roofers to Falls and Other Safety Hazards

CINCINNATI, OH ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has again cited Ohio roofing contractor Benny’s Roofing LLC for exposing employees to falls, and other safety hazards. Benny’s Roofing LLC faces proposed penalties totaling $138,394.

On Dec. 4, 2017, OSHA inspectors observed four roofers at a Cincinnati residential site working at heights greater than 13 feet without appropriate fall protection. Inspectors saw one employee using a rappelling rope, while others used mountain-climbing harnesses. OSHA cited the employer for failing to train workers on fall hazards, and for not conducting regular inspections for job site hazards. OSHA notified the contractor during inspections in February and April of 2017 that such harnesses do not meet OSHA’s requirements for fall protection.

“Employers are responsible for ensuring employees are adequately protected from the hazards that exist at their worksites,” said Ken Montgomery, OSHA Cincinnati Area Office Director. “This employer’s repeated failure to comply with federal safety requirements is exposing employees to injuries from fall hazards.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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.