Work-at-height hazards remain a significant compliance issue for residential construction operations, with federal inspectors citing a Chicago-area contractor for multiple safety violations at two worksites. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed $265,868 in penalties following inspections of worksites operated by Martin Araujo, doing business as Araujo Construction Corp.
OSHA said carpenters and general construction laborers were installing roof rafters and roof sheeting without required fall protection. The workers were exposed to potential falls of up to 25 feet during residential construction activities.
The agency cited Araujo Construction with two willful violations for failing to provide fall protection while employees worked at elevated heights.
Fall protection is a critical component of residential construction safety, particularly during roofing and framing operations where workers can be exposed to significant elevation changes before permanent building components are completed.
In addition to the fall protection findings, OSHA cited nine repeat violations involving several workplace safety requirements.
The violations included failures related to head and eye protection, stairway handrails and ladder positioning. OSHA also found that ladders did not extend the required three feet above access areas.
The agency issued a serious violation for the employer's failure to provide safe access to a platform. An additional other-than-serious violation involved missing training certifications.
Together, the findings resulted in the proposed $265,868 penalty assessment.
Araujo Construction has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to take further action. The employer may comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The penalty amount and citation status can change through the enforcement process. OSHA directs users to its establishment search system for updates to inspection and penalty information.
The case highlights the importance of maintaining fall protection and basic site safety controls throughout residential construction operations. Contractors working at elevation must address hazards associated with roofing, framing, ladders, stairways and elevated access points while ensuring workers receive required protective equipment and training.
For construction owners and contractors, the inspections also demonstrate how repeat findings can compound enforcement exposure when previously cited safety requirements are not adequately addressed.
Source: U.S. Department Of Labor.
