APPLETON, WI – Federal occupational safety inspectors have found that Security-Luebke Roofing Inc. — one of Fox Valley’s largest roofing general contractors — allowed a roofing subcontractor to expose workers to potentially fatal falls at a construction site in Appleton, just two months after the general contractor discussed the importance of safe labor practices with the US Department of Labor.
An inspector of the department The Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed at least nine workers employed at JJ Roofing Co. of Teacher In October 2022 Risk of falls exposed. Security-Lübke representatives were on site while subcontractor employees were at risk.
OSHA cited Security-Luebke Roofing Inc. and Jesus Robles Hernandez — trading as JJ Roofing Co. — for violating federal fall protection requirements. Inspectors also found that Security-Luebke had failed to conduct a comprehensive site survey and ensure its subcontractor’s employees were using the required fall protection. Security-Luebke faces proposed penalties of $140,633 for a willful violation of federal fall protection requirements.
Additionally, OSHA cited JJ Roofing for failing to train its workers on fall protection equipment and how to use it safely, the same violation the agency cited the company for in 2018 and 2020. JJ Roofing faces proposed penalties of $28,126.
“Despite their assurances that they would comply with federal regulations, Security-Luebke and JJ Roofing have continually compromised the safety and welfare of their employees. General contractors like Security-Luebke need to ensure that their employees and those employed by their subcontractors are protected from workplace hazards,” said OSHA area director Robert Bonack in Appleton, Wisconsin.
“Falling is a leading cause of death and serious injury in the construction industry,” added Bonack. “Each year, too many families, friends and colleagues of roofers mourn incidents where employers could have prevented unnecessary deaths by complying with the law.”
Security-Luebke Roofing Inc., based in Appleton, has been providing roofing services to residential and commercial customers in Fox Valley since 1934. The company employs around 120 people.
Founded in 2012, JJ Roofing is a family owned business serving the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin.
OSHA’s Stop Falls website provides safety information and Video presentations in English and Spanish to educate the workersT Fall hazards and appropriate safety measures.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its subpoenas and penalties to comply, request an informal meeting with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Learn more about OSHA.
www.dol.gov
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20230328-0
