The scaffold platform bridge connecting two separate Hydro Mobile platform scaffolds failed and fell 40 feet to the ground. The two companies cited were Apple Roofing Co., a Syracuse contractor performing roofing work, and CFI Sales and Service, the Brackney, Pa., subcontractor that erected the scaffolds.

OSHA's inspection found that the safety chains designed to hold the scaffold platform bridge in place were no longer on the scaffold. OSHA could not determine who removed the safety chains, but they found that Apple Roofing did not have a competent person, one with the knowledge and authority to identify and correct such a hazardous condition, inspect the scaffold before using it.

"If Apple Roofing had inspected the scaffold, it would have seen that the safety chains were not in place and would not have used the scaffold until the chains were re-installed," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse.

As a result of its inspection, OSHA issued Apple Roofing five serious citations, with $12,300 in proposed fines, for not inspecting the scaffold, not training employees to recognize hazards associated with scaffolding work and for fall hazards. CFI Sales and Service was issued two serious citations, with $2,100 in fines, for a fall hazard and for not training employees to recognize scaffold work hazards. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.