Feds: Firm ignored citation in site death

A Burleson roofing contractor ignored an OSHA citation for failing to provide fall safety equipment and training that could have prevented the death of a roofer in Houston, federal officials said.

Mario Baez, 21, was working for D&G Quality Roofing Company at a jobsite in the 2200 block of Kelley Street on Jan. 26 when he fell 30 feet through a skylight and died. The U.S. Department of Labor said Wednesday they are investigating the death.

The death came after OSHA in November issued a citation to the company at an Austin construction site which found two willful violations for failing to provide fall arrest systems and train employees on using the safety equipment properly, according to a news release from the Department of Labor. The company faces a penalty total of $223,341 for the Austin violations.

Officials at the roofing company could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

“D&G Quality Roofing ignored its obligation and exposed workers to danger, resulting in a preventable tragedy,” OSHA Houston Director Mhekeba Hager said in the news release. “Had this young worker’s employer required the use of a personal fall arrest system, a family would not be grieving this terrible loss.”

Baez “suffered serious head and bodily injuries” and was held in a pool of blood by his brother, who was at the location when the incident happened, according to a lawsuit filed by his parents in Harris County in March.

Among the 12 allegations cited in the suit, Baez’ parents state the roofing company failed to enforce safety policies and provide fall protection safety equipment for its employees, according to court records.

Falls account for 35 percent of construction fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2020.