OSHA Inspection: VELCHECK & FINGER ROOF CONSULTING & SERVICE, INC.

Issued

Dec 29, 2011

Abate by

Dec 30, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13):     "Residential construction." Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet(1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provisionin paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it isinfeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets therequirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502.Note: There is a presumption that it is feasible and will not create a greater hazard to implement at least one of the above-listed fallprotection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complieswith 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.    (a) Employer did not ensure that an employee was using fall protection when conducting roofing work on a residential building. Employee was exposed to a fall hazard.

Issued

Dec 29, 2011

Abate by

Dec 30, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1):     When portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access; or, when such an extension is not possible because of the ladder's length, then the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support that will not deflect, and a grasping device, such as a grabrail, shall be provided to assist employees in mounting and dismounting the ladder.  In no case shall the extension be such that ladder deflection under a load would, by itself, cause the ladder to slip off its support.    (a) Employer did not ensure that a ladder extended at least 3' above the landing surface. The employee was using this ladder to gain access to the roof of a residential building in order to conduct roofing repair work. Employee was exposed to a fall hazard.