OSHA Cites Illinois Contractor for Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards

Chicago, IL (Law Firm Newswire) October 9, 2018 – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited a construction company based in Palatine, Illinois, for putting employees at risk of fall hazards.

Gallardo’s Construction Services and its owner Manuel Gallardo could potentially face up to $281,286 in penalties for multiple safety violations. According to OSHA inspectors, the roofing contractor exposed workers to fall hazards while they were working on six residential projects from August to November last year. The worksites were located in the Chicago area.

“Employers are responsible for providing workers with a safe workplace,” said Robert Briskman, a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. “They must address any hazardous conditions at jobsites that could expose employees to the risk of injury and serious harm. Workers who have been hurt in a workplace accident can seek compensation for their injuries. They should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.”

Gallardo received citations for three repeated and four willful violations for not training workers in fall protection hazards, failing to make sure they were using protective equipment and not installing fall prevention systems. OSHA also issued citations for nine other serious safety violations. They include failure to perform worksite inspections and not requiring workers to wear eye protection when using nail guns.

The company was given 15 days in which to respond after receiving the penalties and citations. It could either comply with OSHA regulations, ask to have an informal meeting with OSHA’s area director or meet with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to challenge the citations.

OSHA Chicago South Area Office Director Kathy Webb commented, “This employer’s continual disregard of fall protection requirements is exposing employees to potentially serious injuries.”

Illinois employers are required by law to report all workplace injuries. Employees who suffer injuries at work can file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation and other related costs. They provide injured workers with the financial support they need after a workplace accident.