OSHA Inspection: JOEL ORTIZ

Issued

Mar 29, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,630 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 provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements 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 fall protection systems. Accordingly, the employer has the burden of establishing that it is appropriate to implement a fall protection plan which complies with 1926.502(k) for a particular workplace situation, in lieu of implementing any of those systems.    On March 8, 2016 located on the north side of a residential roof structure, employees were observed performing flashing work while standing on a steep pitch roof not utilizing any fall protection system. Potential fall height was measured in excess of 12'-6" with a roof pitch of 10/12.

Issued

Mar 29, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,630 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.    On March 8, 2016 located on the west side of a residential structure, an employee working for Joel Ortiz was observed egressing from a roof top onto a Green Bull aluminum extension ladder that did not extended past the upper landing surface 3', allowing employees a hand hold while ascending and/or descending.