The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Scot Christopher Rule LLC for exposing workers
to lead and other workplace hazards as the company renovated and remodeled a
worksite in Easton, Pennsylvania. The company faces $104,637 in proposed
penalties.
OSHA initiated a follow-up inspection in February after the
Frenchtown, New Jersey painting and wall covering contractor failed to provide
proof of abatement related to a 2017
investigation. Inspectors cited the company with four willful
violations that included failing to: provide employees with training and
information concerning lead and hazardous chemicals; conduct an initial
determination to identify employees’ level of exposure to lead; and not having
a written lead compliance program. In addition, OSHA cited the Scot Christopher
Rule for permitting improper use of respirators, which the agency says is another
serious violation.
In May 2019, OSHA completed a second inspection after a
complaint that the employer exposed employees operating aerial lifts to fall
hazards and cited additional serious violations.
“Overexposure to lead can result in a wide range of debilitating
medical conditions," says OSHA Area Director Jean Kulp in Allentown,
Pennsylvania. “The most effective way to minimize exposure is to use
engineering controls, provide training, and use protective clothing and
equipment."
OSHA offers compliance assistance resources on preventing fall
hazards, lead exposure in
construction, and personal
protective equipment.
Scot Christopher Rule has 15 business days from receipt of the
citations (view them here and here) and proposed
penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director,
or contest the findings before the independent Occupational
Safety and Health Commission.