A Lemont-based roofing contractor was cited with federal safety violations for failing to protect workers from falls at two separate job sites in the west suburbs.

Woodridge Enterprises Inc. faces proposed fines of $54,120 for four violations at job sites in Hinsdale and Carol Stream, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

A Feb. 29 inspection found Woodridge failed to provide fall protection on a scaffold higher than 25 feet and provide fall protection for workers engaged in construction activities at a residential site in Hinsdale, a release from OSHA said. Similar violations were cited in February 2010 and March 2009 at sites in Elmhurst and Hinsdale.

Woodridge was also cited for one serious violation for failing to have a ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the landing surface, the release said. A violation is defined as serious when there is substantial probability that death or serious harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The roofing contractor was cited for a serious violation during a March 7 inspection at a commercial roofing job site in Carol Stream for not providing sufficient fall protection on a low-slope roof, the release said. Previously, Woodridge had been inspected five times since 2003, resulting in citations for lack of fall protection and other hazards.

Woodridge has 15 business days to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.

“Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry,” said Kathy Webb, OSHA’s area director in North Aurora. “Failing to provide fall protection places workers at risk for serious or fatal injuries.”

In 2010, more than 10,000 construction workers were injured as a result of falls while working from heights, and more than 250 were killed