U.S. Department of Labor Cites West Virginia Roofing Contractor For Fall, Electrical, and Other Safety Hazards

MOUNT HOPE, WV - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited West Virginia roofing contractor Master Roofers and Builders Inc. for exposing employees to fall, electrical, and other safety hazards as they installed a church roof in Mount Hope. OSHA has proposed penalties of $57,646.

Inspectors responded to a complaint in November 2017, and found Master Roofers and Builders Inc. employees exposed to falls of up to 32 feet without fall protection. OSHA cited the company for permitting employees to work without hard hats; exposing employees to electrical and fall hazards; allowing improper use of ladders; failing to ensure employees wore appropriate personal protective equipment; and failing to conduct frequent and regular safety inspections of the work site. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2013.

“In the construction industry, fall protection is required when employees are working at heights of 6 feet or higher,” said OSHA Charleston Area Office Director Prentice Cline. “This employer’s continued failure to follow safety standards placed their employees at risk of serious or fatal injury.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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.

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.