In a recent investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has uncovered alarming safety violations by two Florida contractors. The failure to provide required fall protection for roofing workers has resulted in potential penalties of nearly $174,000, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to safety standards in the construction industry.
12 Employees Working Without Proper Fall Protection
At a worksite in April 2023, inspectors from the DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) observed 12 workers of one of the Contractors working without the necessary fall protection on pitched roofs, reaching heights of up to 32 feet. Shockingly, the subcontractor allowed one worker to use a broken harness and neglected to provide proper training on recognizing and preventing falls. This is not the first time the Contractors has faced such allegations, as OSHA had cited the company for similar violations in September 2022.
The primary contractor, also came under scrutiny during the investigation. OSHA discovered that the company had failed to conduct regular inspections, as required by safety regulations, to prevent workers from being exposed to fall hazards. As a result, OSHA issued one of the Contractors a citation for two willful violations, one repeat violation, and three serious violations, proposing penalties of $163,044. The other contractor received a serious citation with proposed penalties of $10,938.
According to OSHA Area Office Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, “Our inspectors found the primary contractor and subcontractor at a work site failing to protect workers from the risks of falls from elevation, the construction industry’s leading cause of death.” Eastmond emphasizes that fall dangers are widely known in the roofing industry, and employers must legally implement protections to prevent serious or fatal injuries.
What Business Owners Should Know
The penalties proposed by OSHA reflect the severity of the violations and the potential consequences of disregarding safety standards. For small and midsize business owners in the construction industry, this case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and financial repercussions of neglecting worker safety.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a concerning picture, reporting that nearly one in five workplace deaths occurred in the construction industry in 2021, with over one-third of these related to falls, slips, and trips. Approximately 46 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2021 were in the construction industry. This underscores the significance of prioritizing safety measures to protect workers and avoid legal consequences.
Conclusion
The case of these contractors highlights the imperative for businesses, especially those in the construction sector, to prioritize and uphold safety standards. Small and midsize business owners must invest in proper training, equipment, and regular inspections to ensure the well-being of their workers and prevent potentially devastating consequences. Compliance with safety regulations is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral responsibility that can save lives and protect businesses from substantial financial penalties.