In late October, RC reported on an Ohio-based roofing contractor who recently succeeded in challenging multiple safety violations levied against him by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA).

The confrontation, which took place in June 2020, resulted in four citations totaling $12,144 in penalties. However, the contractor challenged OSHA and the citations were vacated since the Secretary of Labor was unable to prove the workers in question were employees.

Trent Cotney, partner at Adams and Reese, provides his observations and insights on the case and how roofing contractors should handle their own interactions with OSHA inspectors.

“Remember that you should always tell the truth,” Cotney said. “Always, always tell the truth and cooperate, but know your rights.”

Cotney also discusses the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that points to the number of nonfatal workplace injuries and illness rising in the roofing industry compared to the previous year. While the uptick might be the result of enhanced reporting or requirements, Cotney discusses the impact these types of injuries have on operations.

Cotney also warns that regional programs emphasizing safety regarding crane operations may soon expand to a nationwide issue by joining OSHA’s “Fatal Four” emphasis programs.

View the interview here or download it and listen on the go from our podcast page.