OSHA Begins Issuing COVID-19 Citations

By North East Roofing Contractors Association.  

OSHA has now started fining companies for employee outbreaks across the country, including New Jersey and the northeast.  

The recent COVID-19 citations rely on the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s general duty clause:  

Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees’ employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.  

It appears that most of the citations being issued are related to events from Spring 2020, but there is little information about them in the DOL press releases.  

For roofing contractors, who are always a target for OSHA, this means that employers must know and understand the guidance that was issued regarding their work. For many workers, simply being outdoors offers them enough reassurance to go mask less. However, employers are responsible for enforcing any COVID-19 related work guidance including social distancing and mask wearing when necessary.  

COVID-19 safety measures must be enforced just as you would if there were an employee not wearing fall protection or other personal protective equipment. Contractors should have updated employee handbooks and signage regarding the dangers of COVID-19. In addition, any workplace illnesses or transmission on site should be recorded in your company logs to be reported to OSHA. 

Belonging to your industry associations helps you stay informed about changes in the industry.  

Learn more about NERCA and the benefits of membership in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory.  

About NERCA 

NERCA is the founder of the NEREF scholarship. They are the regional association for roofing contractors covering the northeast part of the country.  Their territory includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Delaware. 

NERCA maintains relationships with national organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and other major roof industry players. They also host one of the largest regional trade shows in the country. Forms are available to become a member! If you need more information you can contact the association office! 

Source: NERCA Newsletter