OSHA Cites 2 Kansas City Area Employers After Worker Fatality

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Kirberg Roofing Inc. of Kansas City, Kan., and Davila Sheet Metal Co. Inc., of Raytown, Mo., following an investigation of a Kirberg construction worker who fell about 40 feet to his death through a roof opening. Combined proposed penalties total $295,000.

OSHA’s inspection of the Kirberg Roofing worksite found two alleged willful and two alleged serious violations. While OSHA investigators were on site, they also found that Davila Sheet Metal had exposed its workers to fall hazards and cited that company with two alleged willful and one alleged serious violations.

Kirberg Roofing’s willful violations stem from the company’s failing to provide workers with fall protection and to train workers performing roofing and steel erection work regarding fall hazards.

The company’s serious violations stem from failing to determine the strength and structural integrity of the walking/working surface employees were using and to provide a warning line system.

Davila Sheet Metal’s willful violations stem from the company’s failing to protect and train the workers from fall hazards. The serious violation is for failing to determine the strength and structural integrity of the walking/working surface employees were using.

OSHA has proposed $150,000 in penalties against Kirberg and $145,000 in penalties against Davila.

Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Kansas City, Mo., or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA