When a contractor’s employee is injured on your property, it could be your problem. An injured worker with a lawyer may not be able to sue the contractor who employed him, because of the worker comp laws but he can sue you. The causes for action include failing to properly supervise your contractor and for failing to provide a safe workplace. Your best defense is to hire a safe contractor. That is why a contractor’s job safety compliance record is so important.

In November, 1998, Michigan OSHA cited H & H at a Kentwood Michigan job site for two serious violations of fall protection rules, and two violations of protective equipment and ladder rules. OSHA proposed $525 in fines.

In August, 1998, Michigan OSHA cited H & H at a Greenville, Michigan job site. This time they found a serious violation of industrial truck regulations, and proposed a fine of $300.

In April, 1998, H&H was cited and fined $375 for a serious violation of ladder regulations, an aerial platform violation, a scaffold violation, and a first aid training violation.

OSHA inspected H & H at a Greenville School job, after receiving complaints about work in confined spaces, namely a steam pipe tunnel. OSHA observed a man working alone in the tunnel with an oxyacetylene cutting torch. That could have created an explosive atmosphere. OSHA immediately asked H & H to cease the operation. OSHA learned that no atmospheric testing was being done, the tunnel was not adequately ventilated, and the workers had not been instructed about the hazards of the work. OSHA charged two serious and one general violation, and levied a $5000 fine.

Michigan OSHA cited Allied Mechanical in June 1999, for a serious violation of mobile equipment rules, and proposed an $800 fine.

In August, 1998, Michigan OSHA cited Allied for serious violations of ladder and fall protection rules, and proposed $800 in fines.

In February, 1998, Michigan OSHA cited Allied at a Western Michigan University job, for serious violations of eye protection and fall protection rules, for three violations of aerial work platform rules. Regulations, and for failing to provide accident information. OSHA proposed $225 in fines.

Stephen Titus, an Allied employee, took his brother Jay in to see John Huizinga, the President of AMS-II. Jay wanted to go to work for Allied. Stephen told Huizinga that his brother Jay was far better trained than many current Allied employees, and that they were Christians. Dan Huizinga, Allied’s secretary-treasurer, joined the conversation, and took offense at the remark. He pushed Stephen down. Then he pushed Jay, too. The Titus brothers called the police, according to their statements to police.