Roofing contractor cited for fall hazards

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Friday that it has cited Jose A. Serrato, a Marietta, Georgia-based independent roofing contractor, for exposing employees to fall hazards at a worksite in Birmingham, Alabama, with $133,604 in proposed penalties.

In December, OSHA investigated and cited Mr. Serrato for exposing employees to fall hazards of around 28 feet and for failing to retrain employees who did not recognize fall hazards, OSHA said in a statement.

Mr. Serrato has been cited seven times in the past five years, according to the statement.

“Employers are responsible for ensuring their worksites are free of recognized hazards. This employer has continually exposed employees to fall hazards by disregarding federal safety requirements,” Ramona Morris, OSHA Birmingham area office director, said in a statement.

Mr. Serrato could not be immediately reached for comment.