A Snohomish, Washington-based roofing company is facing more than $300,000 in state fines after a worker fell from a two-story home and was hospitalized.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited Asset Roofing & Guttering Inc. after inspectors found that a fall protection system failed due to excessive slack in the rope.
The company initially claimed the rope broke, but investigators reportedly determined it had been cut after the fall, with a portion of the rope left hanging from the roof by the time inspectors arrived at the scene. According to the investigation, the roofer slipped on the underlayment, triggering the fall, but he hit the ground without activating any part of the fall protection system because there was too much slack in the rope.
The rope also failed to meet required strength standards, according to L&I. The agency said the company has a history of safety violations, including eight fall protection citations in the past four years.
In addition to the latest fine, Asset Roofing owes more than $500,000 in unpaid premiums, wage violations and previous penalties, according to L&I.
The company is appealing the citation.
Topics Washington
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