Construction

OSHA Proposes $195,200 in Fines against Pelham, Ala. Masonry Contractor

Feb. 20, 2008

A Pelham, Ala., masonry contractor was hit with $195,200 in proposed fines after OSHA inspectors identified a total of 21 violations, including inadequate scaffolding construction, fall protection and PPE.

Laura Walter

OSHA cited Herrera’s Construction for eight repeat violations with proposed fines totaling $160,000 after visiting jobsites in Birmingham and Calera, Ala. The violations include failure to properly erect scaffolding, failure to address fall protection and allowing employees to work without PPE. OSHA cited Herrera’s Construction for similar violations in 2005.

In addition to the repeat violations, OSHA inspectors also uncovered 13 serious violations with a combined total of $35,200 in proposed penalties.

"Poorly constructed scaffolding and a careless attitude toward fall protection caused unnecessary risks for this company's employees," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's area director in Birmingham. "OSHA will not tolerate lackadaisical attitudes about safety."

Herrera’s Construction has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the violations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.