Most would probably agree that workplace safety should be a top priority for employers throughout the Pittsburgh area. Despite this belief being held by so many, unsafe workplaces can be found all over, including in the state of Pennsylvania.

In an effort to promote safe workplaces, inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration periodically visit job sites of all different types of businesses to make sure safety regulations put into place by federal agencies are being followed. Violations can result in citations of varying degrees.

These inspections are often planned but may also be in response to a workplace accident. However, as one Pennsylvania business recently found out, there is nothing stopping an investigator from conducting an impromptu investigation. As a result of the investigation, the construction company, Quality Stone Veneers, received a total of eight citations. The company is looking at a penalty of $154,440 for the violations found.

The inspection was initiated after an inspector for OSHA happened to notice scaffolding that was substandard as he drove past a residential construction site. The eight violations uncovered all related the use of scaffolding and include:

• The failure to use a fall-arrest system on scaffold measuring more than 10 feet high.
• The failure to install guardrails on scaffold more than 10 feet high.
• Not using enough planking on the scaffold.
• Creating access to platforms on the scaffold that was unsafe.
• Not properly supervising the construction and movement of the scaffold.

The last three on the list were repeat citations. The company had previously been cited for those violations on a worksite in another state.

While an investigation such as this is not a common occurrence, it should serve as a good reminder to all employers of the importance of a safe workplace every day, not just when an inspection is on the horizon.

Source: Business Management Daily, "OSHA inspector's drive-by results in six-figure fine," Aug. 19, 2012

• An unsafe workplace can lead to accidents. Our firm handles workers' compensation cases. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pennsylvania work related injury page.