OSHA Fines Suburban Chicago Construction Company $141,000 for Reported Violations

Associated Contractor Group, a Schaumburg, Illinois-based construction company, is facing proposed penalties of $141,000 following an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that reportedly revealed willful, serious and repeated violations of federal workplace safety regulations, particularly for failure to protect workers from falls.

“Strong enforcement has been one of the keys to this Administration’s success in reducing workplace injuries and illnesses to record-low levels,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao said. “The significant penalty of $141,000 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers.”

The company was cited for five alleged willful violations relating to fall hazards, one repeat violation alleging the company did not have an effective accident prevention program, and two serious violations involving the lack of head protection and for other fall protection issues. The company was roofing a 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Melrose Park, Ill., at the time of the inspection, which began in early March 2004.

The company was cited in August 2003 for workplace safety violations reportedly involving the lack of an effective accident prevention program, which led to the repeat citation in this case.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.