Massachusetts Contractor Exposes Workers to Fatal Falls, Faces $306K in OSHA Penalties
BRAINTREE, MA
February 21, 2024
A Framingham roofing contractor, Brothers Construction Services Inc., has once again put its employees at risk of potentially fatal falls, resulting in a hefty penalty of $306,229 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This time, the violations occurred at a residential worksite in Boston where workers were exposed to falls of up to 20 feet without proper safety measures in place.
Violations and Penalties
During an inspection at the Lexington Avenue worksite prompted by a safety complaint, OSHA found multiple violations including inadequate fall protection, scaffolds, ladders, safety training, inspections, and personal protective equipment. Brothers Construction Services Inc. failed to provide essential safety measures such as:
- No fall protection for employees working at a height of 20 feet
- Lack of training on fall hazards
- Improperly extended ladders for stability
- Unsafe scaffold erection without fall protection
- Inadequate safety inspections and PPE provision
As a result of these violations, OSHA cited Brothers Construction Services Inc. for eight willful, repeat, serious, and other-than-serious violations, leading to the significant penalty amount.
Importance of Fall Safety Measures
According to OSHA area director James Mulligan, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Lack of basic safety safeguards, as observed at the Boston worksite, puts workers at risk of life-threatening incidents with just one misstep.
Previous Violations
Brothers Construction Services Inc. has a history of similar safety violations at various worksites in Massachusetts and New Hampshire since 2011. The company and its affiliates have repeatedly failed to ensure a safe working environment for their employees.
Compliance and Resources
Brothers Construction Services Inc. has 15 days to comply with the citations and penalties, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings. Employers and workers can access valuable safety information and resources on OSHA’s website to prevent fall-related incidents in the workplace.
Ensure that your workplace is equipped with proper fall protection, safety training, inspections, and PPE to avoid costly penalties and, more importantly, protect the lives of your employees.
Resources:
Visit OSHA’s Stop Falls website for safety information and watch video presentations on fall hazards and safety procedures.
For more information on OSHA and workplace safety, visit their website.