An OSHA investigation has determined that Kabco Builders Inc., a mobile home manufacturer, could have prevented the death of a 62-year-old employee. The worker was straddling a two-foot-wide space between a platform and a mobile home’s roof while they were loading shingles. The worker slipped and fell 10 feet, suffering fatal trauma. According to OSHA, the incident could have been avoided if the company was following required fall protection standards.
During the investigation, Kabco Builders was cited for 10 serious violations. These violations include:
- Failing to provide fall protection
- Not properly training employees performing roof work at heights of 4 feet or more
- Not properly training forklift operators
- Failing to require all workers to wear necessary personal protective equipment
- Because of these violations, the company faces $81,463 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Office Director Joel Batiz said, “As falls from heights continue to be the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in all industries, employers like Kabco Builders must know and understand the importance of fall protection standards and related training. Following these well-established safety requirements can mean the difference between an employer seeing its worker ending a shift safely or having to watch as a worker’s family, friends and co-workers grieve a needless tragedy.”
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