OSHA Proposes Nearly $1.8M in Fines After Roofer’s Death in Maine

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed nearly $1.8 million in fines for a Maine roofing contractor after an employee died in December.

An OSHA spokesman told the Portland Press Herald that the fine against Shawn Purvis is one of the largest in New England in recent years.

Purvis is already facing a manslaughter charge and a $2.5 million wrongful death lawsuit by the family of Alan Loignon, who fell off a roof in Portland in December.

Purvis is accused of discouraging the use of safety equipment so his crews could finish jobs faster.

He contends he cannot force his roofers to use safety gear he provides because they’re self-employed subcontractors. The state’s labor department and a roofing industry group say general contractors are responsible for worksite safety.

Information from: Portland Press Herald