Contractor exposing employees to deadly fall hazards at worksite

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Dromin Development LLC, a carpentry contractor based in Palos Park, Illinois, has once again come under fire from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for failing to protect its workers from deadly fall hazards. This marks the seventh time since 2013 that OSHA has cited the company for similar violations, highlighting a troubling pattern of neglect that has placed employees at serious risk.

Repeated Violations: A Dangerous Pattern of Non-Compliance

In March 2024, OSHA inspectors conducted an inspection at a Frankfort construction site where Dromin Development employees were building a new home. The investigation revealed that workers were allowed to operate at heights greater than six feet without any fall protection—a blatant disregard for federal safety regulations. Additionally, OSHA found that the company failed to provide necessary training in fall protection and proper forklift operation, further endangering the workers.

The inspection also noted other safety infractions, including workers not wearing hard hats and the improper use of ladders. As a result, OSHA has cited Dromin Development for two repeat violations, one willful violation, one serious violation, and one other-than-serious violation. The proposed penalties total $268,309.

Dromin Development’s history of non-compliance is concerning. The company currently owes over $114,000 in unpaid penalties for similar willful and serious violations, underscoring a persistent failure to prioritize employee safety.

The Human Cost of Fall Hazards in Construction

Falls are one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,056 construction workers lost their lives on the job in 2022, with 423 of those fatalities resulting from falls from elevation, slips, or trips. These deaths are often preventable with the proper use of fall protection equipment and adherence to safety protocols.

"Each year, hundreds of workers die in preventable falls. Making sure workers wear fall protection each time they work at heights six feet or greater can be the difference between life or death," said OSHA’s Chicago South Area Director James Martineck in Tinley Park, Illinois. "OSHA continues to work with the construction industry to address this deadly hazard and will continue to hold all employers accountable when they fail to provide safe working conditions."

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are legally responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions are met by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, education, and assistance.

Dromin Development now 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. Failure to address these violations could result in further legal and financial consequences, and most importantly, continued risk to the lives of the company's workers.

The Importance of Fall Protection in Construction

In an industry as hazardous as construction, the importance of fall protection cannot be overstated. Employers must take proactive steps to ensure that all workers are trained and equipped with the necessary safety gear to prevent falls and other workplace injuries. The case of Dromin Development serves as a stark reminder that ignoring these obligations can lead to tragic outcomes.

For more information on how to develop a comprehensive workplace safety and health program, visit OSHA’s official website. Employers can also take advantage of OSHA's compliance assistance resources, which offer free help to ensure compliance with safety standards.

By AUTISM LATINO MAGAZINE in Association with BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP

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DATA SOURCE: Metro-Chicago contractor again found ignoring federal safety regulations, exposing employees to deadly fall hazards at Frankfort worksite | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)