St. Louis Contractor Faces $276K in Fines Over Deadly Fall Hazards
St. Louis, MO — H R Vasquez Construction, LLC, a prominent Missouri roofing contractor, finds itself under scrutiny yet again after federal workplace safety inspectors uncovered alarming lapses in safety protocols at five residential worksites in Wentzville during October and November 2023. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that the company’s negligence in safeguarding its employees against fall hazards resulted in citations totaling $276,332.
The investigations by OSHA were prompted by observations of employees working on roofs without the required fall protection equipment on multiple occasions — October 25, 27, 30, November 2, and November 28, 2023. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the absence of fall protection measures for workers operating at heights exceeding six feet. Additionally, inspectors noted the failure to ensure the use of personal eye and face protective equipment by workers operating pneumatic nail guns.
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Furthermore, the inspection uncovered a host of other safety violations, including the improper use of ladders, absence of a written hazard communication program, and a glaring lack of an accident prevention program. This negligence culminated in OSHA citing the company for a total of 13 violations — nine repeat, three serious, and one other-than-serious.
This isn’t the first time H R Vasquez Construction has found itself in OSHA’s crosshairs. Since 2021, the agency has cited the contractor seven times for endangering roofing workers. The initial citations in October 2021 highlighted three serious violations related to the absence of required fall protection at a Ballwin worksite. Subsequent inspections in June 2022 in Chesterfield led to citations for two repeat violations.
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The repercussions for H R Vasquez Construction are substantial. With citations in hand and penalties totalling $267,332, the company has 15 business days to respond. Options include compliance, requesting an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contesting the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The repeated violations and substantial fines underscore the critical importance of stringent adherence to workplace safety regulations. As the construction industry grapples with inherent risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of workers must remain paramount.
Five lessons learned
1. Prioritize Fall Protection: Falls from heights remain one of the construction industry’s deadliest hazards. Prioritize the implementation of comprehensive fall protection measures, including providing necessary equipment and training for employees working at heights exceeding six feet.
2. Regular Training and Compliance Checks: Conduct regular training sessions to ensure all employees understand safety protocols and are equipped to adhere to them. Additionally, implement regular compliance checks to identify any potential violations and address them promptly.
3. Develop Written Safety Programs: Establish written hazard communication and accident prevention programs tailored to the specific needs of your business. These programs should outline safety protocols, procedures, and responsibilities, serving as crucial guides for employees to follow.
4. Learn from Past Mistakes: Take heed of past citations and violations to identify recurring issues and implement corrective actions. Learning from past mistakes is essential for continuous improvement in safety practices and preventing future incidents.
5. Emphasize a Culture of Safety: Foster a culture of safety within your organization where prioritizing the well-being of employees is ingrained in every aspect of operations. Encourage open communication about safety concerns, empower employees to report hazards, and recognize and reward adherence to safety protocols.
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