What triggers an OSHA inspection that leads to big fines: High injury rates? Employee complaints? For the construction industry, expensive fines are often the result of hazards being evident in broad daylight.
OSHA has fined Painting and Decorating, Inc., of Ronkonkoma, NY, $225,200 for failing to properly erect scaffolds and provide fall protection for its workers at two jobsites.
The company was cited for 15 willful, repeat and serious violations. Both inspections were opened when OSHA inspectors observed clearly recognized fall hazards while driving by the jobsites.
Eight willful citations with $200,000 in fines were issued for failure to:
- fully plank scaffolds
- provide an access ladder
- ensure scaffolds rest on base plates, and
- provide fall protection.
One repeat and six serious citations added another $25,200 in fines to the total.
The company has 15 business days to decide whether to contest the fines.
