A US federal workplace safety and enforcement agency has cited a major homebuilder and four subcontractors for insufficient fall protection and inadequate training on use of forklifts.
In targeting a repeat violator, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed penalties totalling USD93,640 for fall hazards at a construction site in Parker, Colorado, a suburb south east of Denver.
The total includes USD70,000 for allegations against homebuilder DR Horton Inc, of Greenwood Village, Colorado, and USD23,640 for subcontractors Kellory & Co Inc, Webb Construction Inc, Dain Construction Inc, and LBR Construction Inc, all of Denver.
"DR Horton failed to properly manage a residential project jobsite by allowing subcontractor employees to be exposed to serious fall hazards," says John Healy, OSHA area director in Englewood, Colorado. "This employer is well aware of the requirements for fall protection and has been cited several times for similar infractions."
OSHA cites DR Horton with one repeat violation of the residential construction fall protection standard for failing to protect workers from falls during framing and sheathing. The company was cited for similar hazards in April and September 2006 in Colorado. 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.
OSHA cites the subcontractors with repeat and serious violations. The alleged violations are for a lack of fall protection during framing and sheathing, and inadequate training on using forklifts, according to the agency. 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 companies have 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.
OSHA is an agency of the US Labor Department.
Fort Worth, Texas-based DR Horton was established more than three decades ago and builds homes in 29 states.