U.S. Department of Labor Cites Illinois Contractor For Continuing to Expose Roofers to Fall Hazards

NAPERVILLE, IL ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited DB Custom Carpentry LLC – based in Aurora, Illinois – for exposing employees to falls. The homebuilder faces penalties of $333,968 for three willful and one repeat safety violations.

In August 2019, OSHA inspectors observed two employees sheeting a residential roof without adequate fall protection in Naperville, Illinois. The agency also cited the company for failing to train employees on fall protection, and to provide and ensure that employees wore safety glasses and hard hats.

“This employer has an extensive history of OSHA violations, and continues to demonstrate a disregard for the safety of workers by allowing them to work at heights without fall protection,” said OSHA Chicago South Area Office Director Kathy Webb.

“Falls are consistently one of OSHA’s most cited hazards, but can be prevented with training and education, and using the appropriate protection,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

OSHA’s Fall Protection webpage provides information on what employers can do to reduce falls, and on appropriate fall protection systems for roofing workers.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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 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.