U.S. Department of Labor Cites Alabama Framing Contractor For Exposing Employees to Falls

MONTGOMERY, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Diaz Professional Construction LLC for exposing employees to falls at a Montgomery, Alabama, residential worksite. The framing contractor faces $31,879 in penalties.

OSHA initiated the inspection as part of its Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction after inspectors observed employees performing framing activities without fall protection. OSHA cited the company for failing to use a fall protection system, allowing employees to operate pneumatic nail guns without eye protection and failing to train workers on the fall hazards.  

“Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction,” said OSHA Mobile Area Director Jose Gonzalez. “Employers can protect workers from falls by ensuring that they wear required personal fall arrest or restraint systems, and by installing guardrail systems around roof openings.”

OSHA’s Fall Prevention/Protection webpage provides a list of resources on protecting construction workers from falls, including Protecting Roofing Workers, and Fall Protection in Construction.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.