Illinois roofer cited for exposing workers to fall and eye hazards

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday it has cited Manuel Gallardo, owner of Gallardo’s Construction Services, for exposing employees to fall hazards, with $281,286 in proposed penalties.

The Palatine, Illinois-based business was cited for four willful and three repeated violations for failing to “install fall protection systems, ensure the use of protective devices and train workers in fall protection hazards.” OSHA inspectors observed employees exposed to fall hazards on six Chicago-area residential roofing projects between August 2017 and November 2017, the department said in a statement.

OSHA cited Mr. Gallardo for nine serious violations for allowing employees to use nail guns without eye protection, and failing to conduct jobsite inspections, according to the statement.

“Employers are required to provide safe workplaces for their employees,” Kathy Webb, OSHA’s Chicago South area office director, said in a statement. “This employer’s continual disregard of fall protection requirements is exposing employees to potentially serious injuries.”

Mr. Gallardo could not be immediately reached for comment.