OSHA Inspection: HEDRICK AND HIGGS HOLDINGS, LLC

Issued

Jan 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · Current $4,000 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.  a) On October 24, 2024, the employer did not ensure that employees were utilizing a fall protection system while conducting framing (specifically sheathing) work on a newly constructed residential structure. Three employees were exposed to a fall height greater than 8'9'' with a roof pitch of 6/12.

Issued

Jan 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $11,292 · 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) On October 24, 2024, the employer failed to ensure that an extension ladder used for roof access extended at least 36 inches above the upper landing surface. As a result, employees were exposed to a fall hazard of 8'9'' to the ground below.