KAUKAUNA — OSHA has announced it has fined two Fox Valley roofing companies, accusing them of putting employees at risk of falls.
Federal workplace safety inspectors say they have found that Security-Luebke Roofing Inc. – one of Fox Valley’s largest roofing general contractors – allowed a roofing subcontractor to expose workers to potentially deadly falls at an Appleton worksite, just two months after the general contractor discussed the importance of safe work practices with the U.S. Department of Labor.
In a news release, OSHA says an inspector with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed at least nine workers employed by JJ Roofing Co. of Kaukauna in October 2022 exposed to fall hazards. Representatives of Security-Luebke were on-site while the subcontractor’s employees were at-risk.
OSHA cited Security-Luebke Roofing Inc. and Jesus Robles Hernandez – operating as JJ Roofing Co. – for violating federal fall protection requirements.
Inspectors also found that Security-Luebke failed to conduct a comprehensive site audit and make sure its subcontractor’s employees used required fall protection. Security-Luebke faces $140,633 in proposed penalties for one willful violation of federal fall protection requirements.
In addition, OSHA cited JJ Roofing for not training its workers on fall protection equipment and its safe use, the same violation for which the agency cited the company in 2018 and 2020. JJ Roofing faces $28,126 in proposed penalties.
“Despite their assurances that they would comply with federal requirements, Security-Luebke and JJ Roofing have continually endangered their employees’ safety and well-being. General contractors like Security-Luebke must make sure their employees and those employed by their subcontractors are protected from job site hazards,” said OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack in the news release.
“Falls are a leading cause of death and serious injuries in the construction industry,” Bonack added. “Each year, too many roofers’ families, friends and co-workers are left to grieve after incidents when employers could have prevented needless deaths by complying with the law.”
Based in Appleton, Security-Luebke Roofing Inc. has provided residential and commercial roofing services for customers in the Fox Valley since 1934. The company has about 120 employees.
Established in 2012, JJ Roofing is a family owned and operated business that serves the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
OSHA’s stop falls website offers safety information and video presentations in English and Spanish to teach workers about fall hazards and proper safety procedures.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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