Milton-based roof contractor faces OSHA fines

CONCORD - A Milton-based roofing contractor with a history of safety violations faces a total of $61,600 in fines for allegedly exposing employees to 25-foot falls at a Somersworth site.

According to a press release sent out by the U.S. Department of Labor, employees of Ken Stanley, who owns A+ Roofing, were exposed to this same danger five times in the past.

A+ Roofing was cited by OSHA between 2004 and 2013 for similar fall hazards at work sites in Northwood, North Conway and Keene; Kittery, Maine; and Haverhill, Mass., according to workerscompsnsation.com.

The department of labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened its inspection on June 12 after a concerned passer-by noticed the potential dangers, the press release said.

OSHA found that eight workers at Riverside Garage at 481 High St. were working at heights of 25 feet without fall protection.

Additionally, it was found those on the ground were not wearing head protection for falling objects or debris.

OSHA said their employer knew about the lack of fall protection and that it violated safety standards.

"There was nothing to prevent these workers from falling more than two stories to the ground below. They were at risk of death or disabling injuries. Their employer, with a history of similar violations, knew that the lack of fall protection violated workplace safety standards," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director for New Hampshire.

The contractor is facing two willful violations that call for $55,000 in fines, and an additional $6,600 for lack of fall protection training, lack of protection against eye injuries and an absence of fire extinguishers where gasoline containers were present.

The press release noted falls are the top killer in construction work.

A+ Roofing has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.