OSHA cites Toledo firm for safety violations

The federal agency that monitors workplace safety has proposed more than $50,000 in fines against a Toledo construction company cited for several repeat safety violations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday that Henry Gurtzweiler Inc. was cited for six safety violations after a November visit by investigators to a work site in Oregon. The agency said the investigation was prompted by a complaint.

Violations for failing to provide fall protection during steel erection operations, and allowing workers to climb out of an aerial lift were repeat violations. OSHA said similar citations were given in 2008 and 2010.

OSHA spokesman Scott Allen said falls are the leading cause of worker injuries and fatalities in the United States. No one was injured at the Henry Gurtzweiler Co. worksite.

There were also three "serious" violations: failing to require the use of safety glasses while workers used power tools, failure to train workers on fall hazards, and workers using loaders without proper safety equipment that prevents loads from falling backward onto the driver.

Investigators gave one citation for a "less-than-serious" violation related to the company's not properly filling out an OSHA log.

In all, the Henry Gurtzweiler Co. was fined $50,820.

The company has 15 days from the filing to pay the fine, request a conference with OSHA, or contest the findings.

OSHA said the Henry Gurtzweiler Co. has been cited for 29 violations since 2000.

Contact Tyrel Linkhorn at: tlinkhorn@theblade.com or 419-724-6134.