Department of Labor cites Wisconsin roofing contractor for again exposing workers to fall hazards at residential home site in Appleton

Employer:                                          Brookens Construction LLC

                                                                 6592 Lake Road, Suite D

                                                                 Windsor, Wisconsin 53598

Citations Issued:                   Two willful, two serious violations and one other-than-serious violation 

Investigative Findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an inspection with general contractor Brookens Constructions LLC on May 12, 2023, after OSHA inspectors observed a worker shingling a residential roof without fall protection on Ridgeview Drive in Appleton, Wisconsin. The worker was employed by a subcontractor, Eaglevision LLC of Elgin, Illinois.

Inspectors also found the general contractor failed to perform site inspections to make sure its subcontractors followed safety procedures, did not provide eye protection exposing workers to flying debris while using pneumatic nail guns, used a damaged ladder and did not train workers about fall hazards. 

Proposed penalties: $132,593.

Quote: “Our inspector found that Brookens Construction’s project manager failed to require subcontractors working on their job sites to comply with safety and health requirements despite spending several hours at each site documenting satisfactory replacement of a residential home roofs,” explained OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack in Appleton, Wisconsin. “Fall hazards are the leading cause of injuries and death in the construction industry. Employers can protect workers by following federal and industry recognized safety standards to protect workers on the job.” 

Background:  OSHA cited Brookens Construction in 2019 and 2022 for similar hazards in three separate inspections. Brookens provides roofing serves in the greater Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay areas.

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.