OSHA cited a Colorado home manufacturer after two follow-up inspections revealed the employer was exposing employees to fall hazards.
Inspectors found the company used damaged scaffolding, didn’t train workers on scaffolding safety and allowed unsafe use of ladders.
The follow-up inspections were conducted after OSHA found the “company failed to abate numerous violations found in September 2020 and January 2021 investigations that involved workers falling from a scaffold and a ladder,” according to a Department of Labor news release.
Fine: $222,055
Company: Key Structures LLC, Pueblo, CO
Business: Prefabricated metal building and component manufacturing
Reasons for fine:
One willful violation for failure to:
- ensure scaffold casters and wheels were locked with positive wheel or wheel and swivel locks to prevent movement
One repeat violation for failure to:
- train employees on scaffold hazards
14 serious violations for failure to:
- ensure all places of employment were kept in clean, orderly and sanitary condition
- ensure ladders placed in passageways were secured to prevent accidental displacement
- ensure ladders were used only for purposes for which they were designed
- have continuing, effective hearing conservation programs
- ensure fall arrest PPE was rigged to prevent free falls of more than 6 feet
- provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals
- ensure scaffold platforms and walkways were 18 inches wide
- use ladders or ramps on scaffolds with platforms more than 2 feet above or below points of access
- inspect scaffolds for visible defects
- train employees properly on scaffold construction
- properly store compressed gas cylinders
- ensure employees wore proper eye or face protection where required
- cover junction boxes and fittings
- remove electrical tools with signs of damage from service
One other-than serious violation for failure to:
- provide sufficient access and working space around all electrical equipment
