US Department of Labor investigation finds Chicago construction employer exposed workers to continued safety hazards, proposes $265K in penalties

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US Department of Labor investigation finds Chicago construction employer exposed workers to continued safety hazards, proposes $265K in penalties CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Calumet City-based residential construction and carpentry employer after two separate investigations into its continued failure to provide fall protection for workers. The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated two worksites operated by Martin Araujo – doing business as Araujo Construction Corp. – and found that carpenters and general construction laborers were installing roof rafters and roof sheeting without fall protection, exposing them to falls of up to 25 feet. OSHA cited Araujo Construction with two willful violations for not providing fall protection, while working from heights during residential construction at the two worksites. OSHA also cited the employer with nine repeat safety violations for failing to provide head and eye protection, l...
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US Department of Labor urges caution for workers involved in recovery efforts after powerful storms impact Mississippi, Southeast

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US Department of Labor urges caution for workers involved in recovery efforts after powerful storms impact Mississippi, Southeast
ATLANTA - After severe weather swept through much of the Southeast on March 24 and spawned at least 27 tornadoes across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, workers involved in cleanup activities face dangers during recovery operations. To reduce these dangers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges employers to ensure that workers have the proper training, equipment and expertise to perform cleanup activities. Workers face hazards related to falls, downed power lines, fallen trees and struck-by hazards as they conduct recovery operations. Employers and workers should also be aware of heat illness, and hazards posed from equipment used during response and recovery operations. “The deadly storms that impacted much of the Southeast generated horrific results. OSHA urges employers and workers not to compound this tragedy by failing to be mindful in evaluating and mitigating hazards during recovery efforts,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer in Atlanta. “The use of safety procedures and appropriate personal protective equipment can prevent injuries and save lives.” Hazards often associated with tornado recovery efforts include: Falling objects such as tree limbs and construction materials. Sharp objects like nails and broken glass. Electrical hazards from downed power lines or objects in contact with power lines. Falls from heights. Improper use of portable generators, saws, ladders and other equipment. OSHA’s Tornado Preparedness and Response page provides additional information to assist in planning cleanup work safely. Learn more about OSHA.

Published at March 30, 2023 at 05:00PM
Read more at https://dol.gov

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