OSHA cited Florida's Maxim Construction Group Corp. with 17 serious safety citations for exposing workers to 200-foot falls and silica dust at two worksites. OSHA claims the contractor exposed workers to falls of more than 200 feet due to improperly assembled scaffolding and improper securing to the building. OSHA says Maxim Construction also did not properly inspect the scaffolding prior to each use and did not develop a written respiratory protection program for workers exposed to silica while restoring concrete.
Other violations include failure to implement a hearing conservation program for workers exposed to high noise levels.
A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Maxim Construction is facing $119,000 is proposed OSHA penalties. The citations can be viewed here: https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Maxim_Construction_Group_Inspections_998264_998175_1016447_1016478.pdf*
Maxim Construction has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.