US Department of Labor investigation finds Chicago construction employer exposed workers to continued safety hazards, proposes $265K in penalties

CHICAGO - The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Calumet City-based residential construction and carpentry employer after two separate investigations into its continued failure to provide fall protection for workers.

The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration 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.

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. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. See OSHA's website for more information.