The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Manuel Gallardo, owner of Gallardo's Construction Services, Palatine, Ill., after inspectors observed employees exposed to fall hazards on six Chicago-area residential roofing projects between August 2017 and November 2017, according to www.osha.gov. The company is not an NRCA member.
Gallardo's Construction Services faces $281,286 in proposed penalties. Gallardo was cited for four willful and three repeat violations for failing to install fall-protection systems; ensure the use of protective devices; and train workers regarding fall-protection hazards. OSHA also cited Gallardo for nine serious violations for allowing employees to use nail guns without eye protection and failing to conduct job-site inspections.
"Employers are required to provide safe workplaces for their employees," says Kathy Webb, OSHA's Chicago South Area office director. "This employer's continual disregard of fall-protection requirements is exposing employees to potentially serious injuries."
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.
