Region 4 News Release: 11-872-ATL (288)
June 20, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

Georgia roofing company cited by US Labor Department's OSHA for exposing
workers to fall, struck-by hazards at work sites in Georgia and Florida

ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Peach State Roofing Inc. of Lawrenceville with five safety violations for exposing workers to fall hazards at work sites in Atlanta and Temple Terrace, Fla., while renovating and installing roofs. Proposed penalties total $155,800.

In December 2010, OSHA began its inspection at the Cumberland Mall in Atlanta after Peach State Roofing employees were observed exposed to a fall hazard while working along the edge of a flat roof. In January, employees at the Temple Terrace downtown redevelopment location were observed working on two roofs without fall protection.

For the Cumberland Mall site hazards, the company has been cited for one repeat violation with a $70,000 penalty for allowing employees to be exposed to falling approximately 36 feet to the ground while installing roof insulation and placing debris into a chute. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Peach State Roofing was most recently cited in May 2008 for similar violations at a Pinellas Park, Fla., work site.

A serious violation also was cited at this location for failing to require workers to wear eye protection, thus exposing them to struck-by hazards. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The proposed penalty is $4,400.

For the Temple Terrace site hazards, the employer has been cited for one willful violation with a penalty of $70,000 for exposing workers to a fall of 29 feet while installing roofing tile by failing to provide fall protection. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Additionally, two serious violations with $11,400 in fines include exposing employees to struck-by hazards by not requiring them to wear eye protection and allowing workers to carry heavy roofing tiles up a ladder by balancing them on their shoulders with one hand, which exposed them to a 9-foot fall.

"This employer knows what the fall protection requirements are, but continues to expose employees to the risk of serious injury or death," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "OSHA will not tolerate this blatant disregard for workers' safety."

The company, which performs roofing, siding and sheet metal work for commercial sites, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-West office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga. 30080; telephone 770-984-8700. The Temple Terrace site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Tampa office, 5807 Breckenridge Parkway, Tampa, Florida 33610; telephone 813-676-1177. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.