OSHA states one of its inspectors observed Lowky and his employees using nail guns to install roofing material without fall protection on Nov. 3, 2020. According to OSHA, five workers could be seen moving unsteadily atop a Canton apartment building three stories above ground, all of them at risk of a serious or fatal fall because their employer failed to ensure they used required safety equipment to protect them from falling. Lowky — their employer — was also working on the roof without necessary fall protection despite having the equipment available.

“Exposure to fall hazards makes roofing work one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry,” said OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts, in Cleveland. “OSHA requires fall protection when working at heights greater than 6 feet. OSHA is determined to reduce the numbers of preventable, fall-related deaths in the construction and will hold employers accountable for intentionally exposing their workers to such serious dangers.”

To raise awareness of these dangers, OSHA and construction industry stakeholders will join together for The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 3-7, 2021.

OSHA encourages employers to use its Stop Falls online resources, which include detailed information on fall protection standards in English and Spanish. The site offers fact sheets, posters and videos that illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.

The company 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.