OSHA Inspection: GARCIAS MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(b)(1)(i):Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated platform) shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except where the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary (for example, to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the width of the platform).  a.) 	On or about November 27, 2024, the employer did not ensure that the space between adjacent scaffold planks was no more than 1 inch, in that a gap of approximately 6 inches was present between scaffold planks. As a result, employees working on the scaffold were exposed to a tripping and fall hazard of approximately 8 feet 5 inches.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(c)(2)(i):Footings shall be level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement.  a) On or about November 27, 2024, the employer failed to ensure that all footings of an 8-foot 5-inch high scaffolding system were level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the scaffold without settling or displacement. Specifically, the scaffold was elevated using an unstable combination of wooden shims, stacked lumber blocks, and homemade fabricated columns instead of properly installed base plates and mud sills. As a result, employees were exposed to a potential scaffold tipping hazard.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(c)(2)(ii):Unstable objects shall not be used to support scaffolds or platform units.  a) On or about November 27, 2024, the employer failed to ensure that the footings of an 8-foot 5-inch high scaffolding system were properly supported, in that the scaffold was erected on an unstable combination of stacked 2x4s, wooden shims, and homemade fabricated columns instead of properly secured base plates and mud sills. These unstable objects were inadequately positioned beneath the scaffold bucks, creating an uneven and structurally unsound foundation. As a result, employees working on the scaffold were exposed to a risk of tipping, shifting, or collapse

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(c)(2)(iii):Unstable objects shall not be used as working platforms.  a.) On or about November, 27, 2024, the employer failed to ensure that scaffolding planks were supported by stable surfaces while employees worked from a scaffolding system, in that scaffold planks were secured using ratchet straps instead of being properly fastened to a stable and load-bearing structure. As a result, employees were exposed to the hazards of scaffold displacement, tipping, and potential collapse.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(f)(3): Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity.  a.)	On or about November 27, 2024, the employer failed to conduct adequate scaffold inspections to identify multiple visible defects. The scaffolding system had inadequate footings, as it was supported by an unstable combination of stacked 2x4s, wooden shims, and fabricated wooden columns instead of proper base plates and mud sills. Additionally, the scaffold frame was missing required X-bracing, compromising its structural integrity. Scaffold planking had gaps of approximately 6 inches, exceeding the 1-inch maximum allowed by OSHA standards, creating a tripping and fall hazard. Ladders were improperly used as makeshift scaffold framing, with planks placed across ladder rungs to create an elevated work surface, and employees were observed using ladders positioned on top of scaffold planks to reach higher work areas. As a result of these deficiencies, employees working on the scaffold were exposed to a tipping hazard and a fall hazard of approximately 11 feet 8 inches.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(f)(7):Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.  a)	On or about November 27, 2024, the employer failed to ensure that the scaffolding system was erected under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection. In that  the scaffolding system was erected exhibiting multiple deficiencies, including unstable footings composed of stacked 2x4s, wooden shims, and homemade fabricated wooden columns, missing X-bracing between scaffold sections, excessive gaps in the scaffold planking, and the improper use of ladders as makeshift working platforms. As a result, employees working on the scaffold were exposed to tipping hazards, structural instability, and fall hazards of approximately 8 feet 5 inches and 11 feet 8 inches.

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.451(f)(15):Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height of employees, except on large area scaffolds where employers have satisfied the following criteria: 1926.451(f)(15)(ii) The platform units shall be secured to the scaffold to prevent their movement;  a.) On or about November 27, 2024, the employer failed to ensure that ladders used on a scaffolding plank were secure to prevent movement while employees placed stucco on a building wall. As a result employees were exposed to tipping hazards and fall hazards of 8'5" & 11'8".

Issued

Feb 3, 2025

Abate by

Feb 21, 2025

Penalty

Initial $4,965 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.452(c)(2):Frames and panels shall be braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination thereof, which secure vertical members together laterally. The cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, level, and square. All brace connections shall be secured.  a.) On or about November 28, 2024, the employer failed to ensure the frame scaffolding erected cross or X-bracing on both sides of the scaffolding system as a result the employer exposed employees to a potential scaffolding collapsing hazard.