Employers owe it to their workers and customers to keep workspaces clean and clear of any objects or situations that could cause injury. This is especially important in the construction industries, in which there are many dangerous circumstances that claim that highest number of workplace fatalities every year.
The U.S. Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and California’s counterpart to the agency (Cal/OSHA) are responsible for enforcing codes on construction sites as well as other worksites around the state. If a violation causes an injury or fatality on a construction project, a successful lawsuit or settlement may reverse a dangerous policy or situation.
These agencies may also apply fines to safety violations to prevent an injury or death. Cal/OSHA recently fined an Escondido-based roofing company for endangering its workers on six different occasions. The firm risked fatal falls and other injuries to their employees.
The most recent inspection of a worksite for the company reveals workers without fall protection equipment on a three-story building. Workers were also not specifically trained on the use of available equipment.
Four violations recorded by Cal/OSHA include failure to maintain an injury prevention program as required by California law. This is especially negative since one of the firm’s roofers suffered serious injuries after falling from a ladder attached to scaffolding in a way that violated building codes.
Victims of workplace accidents have the right to file a lawsuit against the parties responsible for safety at these sites. Consider legal representation to file and manage the progression of a suit or settlement towards an acceptable conclusion.
Source: PR Newswire, “Cal/OSHA Cites Roofing Contractor for Repeat Fall Hazard Violations,” April 05, 2018