OSHA fines Araujo Construction $265K for fall protection PPE violations

OSHA has cited Calumet City, Illinois-based Araujo Construction, a residential construction and carpentry employer, after two separate investigations into its continued failure to provide fall protection for workers.

The agency investigated two worksites operated by Martin Araujo - doing business as Araujo Construction Corp. - and found that carpenters and general construction laborers were installing roof rafters and roof sheeting without fall protection, exposing them to falls of up to 25 feet.

Repeat citations include PPE, stairs & ladders

OSHA cited Araujo Construction with two willful violations for not providing fall protection, while working from heights during residential construction at the two worksites.

OSHA also cited the employer with nine repeat safety violations for failing to provide head and eye protection, lacking handrails on stairways, and failing to make sure ladders extended three feet above access areas.

Additionally, OSHA issued a serious violation to Araujo Construction for not having safe access to a platform, and an other-than-serious violation for lacking training certifications.

OSHA proposed $265,868 in combined penalties.

Martin Araujo has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC).