OSHA Cites 19 Contractors in Ga. Inspection

The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited 19 Atlanta-area contractors for reportedly exposing workers to safety hazards at a Kennesaw State University construction site. The agency has proposed penalties totaling $147,625.

OSHA issued two repeat citations to Jonesboro-based Coreslab Structures, with proposed penalties totaling $37,500, for exposing workers to falls through open-sided floors and impalement (spearing by unprotected protruding metal bars). The company also received citations for alleged serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $27,500, for defective fall arrest systems and inadequately grounded equipment.

Lack of fall protection, defective equipment, and failure to protect workers from impalement and falling objects were the most frequent safety hazards cited in citations issued to the other contractors. Chamblee-based AFM Interior Systems Inc., received eight citations, with proposed penalties totaling $15,750. The general contractor, Atlanta-based Manhattan Construction Co., Flagler Division, received four citations, with proposed penalties totaling $6,175.

Other companies and proposed penalties are: Atlanta Drywall – $8,000; Jonquil Steel & Construction Inc. – $7,750; Hertz Equipment Rental – $7,500; All South Electric – $7,000; Metalite Inc. – $6,800; Georgia Vinyl Distributors Inc. – $6,000, Center Brothers Inc. – $5,700. T.C. Drywall – $2,700; J.A. LoDen Masonry – $2,500; Pyramid Masonry – $2,125; Dixie Roof Decks – $2,000; CPD Plastering Inc. – $1,200; Gwinnett Sprinkler Co.- $750; Amp Miller Mechanical – $225; A S Communications – $225; and John Prichard Construction – $225.

The companies have 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.