The U. S. Department of Labor The U. S. Department of Homeland Security says a fatal fall on a structure in Smyrna, Chenango County, last December could have been avoided if proper fall coverage and education had been used through the Tennessee contractor.
According to the Department of Labor, inspectors with the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that A. W. Stiles Contractors, Inc. de McMinnville, Tennessee, failed to supply 4 with effective fall protection.
Workers exposed to falls of up to 23 feet.
Workers were replacing a roof with aluminum gaskets in a Baillie Lumber Co. building.
OSHA also found that A. W. Stiles failed to instruct workers on fall hazards, the use of private fall arrest systems, and procedures for installing, maintaining, and examining fall coverage systems at the site.
The fall protection systems at the site were used without the supervision of a qualified person. Finally, respiratory hazards were not evaluated and A.W. Stiles failed to ensure workers were medically able to use respirators.
A. W. Stiles was cited for 8 violations, with a total penalty of $83,885. A. W. Stiles Contractors Inc supplies construction, repair, portioning and lumber services.