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North Carolina and Georgia contractors cited by OSHA

North Carolina and Georgia contractors cited by OSHA
Following a fatal worker fall from Epping, NH, water tower, OSHA has cited North Carolina and Georgia contractors for the incident. The two contractors were responsible for the rehabilitation and painting of the municipal water tower. Following the death of a worker in 7th Aug, 2009, who fell 90ft from the water tower, these two contractors have come under the scanner of OSHA for alleged violations of safety standard.

When OSHA conducted the inspection, it was found that the deceased man’s employer, Bullins Painting Inc, failed to provide any fall protection. Both the company and the project’s general contractor, Utility Services Inc. of Perry, Ga., failed to protect vertical lifelines against cuts and abrasions, to inspect fall protection equipment before each use, and provide a ladder cage or comparable safeguard for tower access ladders.

It was cleared that the worker’s life would have been spared if protective measures had been provided and used by him.

There were additional safety and health hazards identified by OSHA for Bullins employees. That included an uninspected suspended scaffold, improper anchorage points for the lifelines, overexposure to respirable dust, respirator protection deficiencies, fumes and solvents, smoking while mixing flammable liquids, improper transfer of flammable liquids, electrical hazards and failing to properly monitor water tank interior side for oxygen-deficient atmospheres before the workers entered it.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

If you want to provide a safe and working environment for your workers, you can join the online OSHA 30 hour training courses. You will be well informed about the different techniques of workplace safety as well as the OSHA rules and regulations.

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