The Contractor Coaching Partnership Blog

Who made the photograph?

I think that the dyi net work should have OSHA on that program. They build all the time and work over 6' off the surface and never have any gear on. Homes by Homes is one of the programs. We have a little building going on around here and I never see anyone wearing any gear or see a rails up, etc. What a joke. As soon as I do a project, I would be the first one to get hit.

Mark, have you ever worked in construction? Are you trying to tell me you can't safely walk that pitch! You must make your money selling classes for osha

Hello Jay  
 
Photograph is from a contractor who uses fall protection and chooses to remain anonymous.

Hello Al, 
 
 
 
At a recent OSHA Awareness Seminar this was brought up. You would think that OSHA would make a visit to the TV shows and insist that they work with safety in mind since so many people see these shows.

Hello Mike, 
 
Been in the residential construction industry for over 20 years. 10 years in roofing, siding and windows. Been on hundreds of roofs overseeing our employees as manager as well as responsible for bringing in the business. 
 
As far as walking on a pitch like the one in the picture, I am sure most of us have done it. That does not mean it is right. The problem our industry faces is there are too many injuries and fatalities from falls. Now OSHA is paying attention to us. 
 
What do you think about the guy on the front gable extension? Do you think that is safe? Would you let your worker access the front roof using that ladder set up below the roof edge? 
 
The OSHA Fall Protection Standards have been around for years. On this installation workers are suppose to be at a minimum tied off.  
 
As far as training, I am now contractor business coach training contractors on how to successfully develop, grow and manage their business. 
 
I do not work for OSHA, however we do set up training for contractors who wish to bring their company up to speed with OSHA requirements.  
 
 
 
 
 

With all this coming down the road at us I gave my roofing business of 41 years to the guys that have subbed off me for quite awhile-now it is their headache trying to comply. They have stepped up to the plate with new ladders, approved (inferior) planks, harnesses etc and training. This has cost them a pretty penny and their work has slowed down during this learning curve. Now they want to know just where the heck are these inspectors. Like the anonymous photgrapher for the above picture- we are now taking pics of stupid staging and sending them in-have not seen any enforcement yet. On Cape Cod we can eliminate 1/2 of the cheapo depot roofers in one year if OSHA does their thing.

Hello Charlie, 
Today I was told by a Cape Cod remodeler that OSHA was on his job site three weeks ago. The remodeler had his men properly tied off an had no citations. I was also told OSHA is investigating a fall form a roof in Provincetown. 
Last fall and early this year contractors who have been hit by OSHA were told that this spring visits were going to take place sometime in the spring. Spring is here. As I get more credible calls about enforcement I will post it on the blog.

Thanks Mark-One of the things that would be extremely helpful is aplace where we could monitor OSHA's comings and goings and the results thereof. Not to interfere with OSHA but to spread the word that "they are here" (sounding like ET) but then wake up the rest of the contractors. The good ones will comply and upgrade the others need to be Stop Work Ordered and fined enough to stop them from working-out of business. Let the cream rise to the top.