Construction Company Fined $92K For Pierce Co. Safety Violations

GIG HARBOR, WA – A construction company that had done work in Pierce County is being fined more than $92,000 for serious safety violations.

Cloise & Mike Construction, Inc. was under investigation recently after the Department of Labor & Industries received an anonymous report in May that included photographs showing four employees engaged in roofing work on a steep pitch roof with no fall protection installed.

In addition, inspectors found employees were not wearing masks or social distancing, which is a violation of COVID-19 workplace safety rules.

Since 2001, Cloise & Mike Construction has been cited for more than two dozen serious and repeat safety violations after being inspected more than 26 times, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

The violations occurred on the construction of new homes in various cities, including Gig Harbor, Tacoma and Lakewood.

The May inspection also resulted in another eight violations:

• No fall protection at four feet and greater while working on a steep pitch
• No fall protection work plan
• Not complying with COVID-19 protection
• Training programs not effective in practice
• No hard hat worn while working under roofers
• Hands not kept free while ascending a ladder
• Ladder not extending three feet above the landing
• No walk-around safety inspection