Region 7 News Release: 11-636-KAN
May 5, 2011
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
Email: kulczewski.richard@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Keystone Stucco
construction contractor in Olathe, Kan.
Employees exposed to fall hazards while accessing and working from a scaffold

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Keystone Stucco Inc. of Olathe, Kan., for two repeat and one serious violation based on a December 2010 inspection in which employees were observed working from scaffolding without proper fall protection. The agency has proposed a total of $147,000 in penalties.

"There is no excuse for employees to be exposed to such hazards. Scaffold accidents are a leading cause of construction-related injuries and fatalities," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards and provide a safe working environment for all of their employees."

The company's repeat violations are similar to others previously cited for lack of safe access and egress to a scaffold structure, and not protecting employees from falls when working at heights from a scaffold structure. 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 other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

The serious violation addresses hazards associated with improper use of a portable ladder and a failure to adequately train personnel in ladder use. 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.

Information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html. Information on scaffold hazards and safe work practices, including an interactive e-tool, is also available online at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/index.html.

Keystone Stucco has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Kansas City or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Kansas City Area Office, telephone 816-483-9531. 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, audiotape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.