Lake Zurich roofing contractor continues to ignore safety regulations, exposing workers to deadly fall hazards in 8 inspections since 2020.
Introduction
For the 8th time since 2020, federal workplace safety inspectors have cited Lake Zurich roofing contractor for exposing workers to falls from elevations. Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injuries among people within the construction industry.
What Happened?
OSHA inspectors observed employees of Fino Exterior Inc. working on top residential structures without legally requiring fall protection equipment on 4 occasions in 2024 in Palatine on Feb. 6, Orland Park on June 12, Palos Heights on Aug. 16, and Shorewood on Oct. 16.
The company’s troubling history of ignoring federal safety regulations continued as OSHA cited Fino Exterior Inc. for 13 safety violations in 3 inspections in 4 months and proposed $262,631 in penalties.
Additional Violations
In addition to not providing or requiring fall protection, OSHA also cited the company for the following violations:
- Permitting employees to work near energized power lines
- Not providing required hard hats for employees
- Failing to train workers on fall protection hazards and prevention methods
- Lack of eye protection for workers who were operating pneumatic nail guns
- And improper use of ladders
What Should’ve Happened
OSHA requires fall protection to be required for residential construction work when employees are working 6 feet or more above lower levels.
The company must comply with federal laws and OSHA regulations to prevent violations and to keep workers safe while performing job tasks. Fino Exterior Inc. should have provided and ensured workers were equipped with the right fall protection prior to the job.
For the additional hazards, the company should have:
- Not permitted employees to work near energized power lines until they were de-energized
- Provided workers with head protection such as hard hats
- Trained workers on fall hazards and prevention methods
- Provided eye protection to workers at risk of eye injuries
- And provided proper ladders for the type of work being performed
Resources
OSHA provides many resources regarding fall protection.
JJ Safety provides safety meetings, online safety training, safety programs, and safety training kits for fall protection topics.