OSHA cites Michigan company in Ohio deaths of 2 painters

OXFORD, Ohio (AP) — A federal agency says the deaths of two Michigan workers killed in southwest Ohio while painting a water tower might have been prevented if they had been given required safety gear.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the workers’ Michigan employer for 30 safety violations.

Authorities said Florjan Nilaj and Gazmend Vukaj fell about 100 feet when their scaffolding failed and a suspension rope broke at an Oxford-area tower last October.

OSHA said today it is proposing $199,000 in penalties for V&T Painting of Farmington Hills, Mich., for 17 safety violations at the tower and 13 at a Hamilton site.

Company owner Vasel Malaj is reviewing the findings and declined to comment today.

OSHA says it found faulty equipment and inadequate safety inspections and training.