A September 2019 OSHA inspection has led to six-figure penalties for one Melbourne, Fla. roofing contractor.
The agency initiated inspections at Turnkey Construction Planners Inc. as part of its Regional Emphasis for Falls in Construction.
“Employers have a duty to provide a workplace free of recognizable hazards. Roofing contractors can mitigate risks for their workers by ensuring all employees use approved fall protection systems,” said Condell Eastmond, OSHA Fort Lauderdale-area office director. “Employers can contact their local OSHA office for assistance in making their worksites safe.”
Two worksites at Port Saint Lucie, Fla. turned up numerous violations.
At the first location, portable ladders were used to access a residential garage roof. The ladders did not extend at least 3 ft. past the roof, exposing workers to falls of 9 ft. 10 inches. Inspectors issued a serious violation for not complying with 29 CFR 1926.1053 (b) (1). The proposed penalty is $10, 390.
Inspectors also discovered a repeat violation in reference to 29 CFR 1926 (b)(13). The construction activities that exposed workers to fall of more than 6 ft. required guardrail and safety net systems, which were absent. In addition, no personal fall arrest systems were provided.
Turnkey Construction Planners previously was cited at least six other times for the same violation dating back to 2016. The company must now submit documents to OSHA about how it will protect employees and also pay a proposed penalty of $51,952.
The company also received a repeat violation of 29 CFR 1926 (b)(13) at the second worksite in Port St. Lucie inspectors investigated which added another $51,952 in proposed fines.
In total, Turnkey Construction Planners faces $114,294 in penalties for repeatedly failing to prevent workers from being exposed to fall hazards. The violations must be abated by April 3, 2020, according to OSHA's notification.
The roofing contractor has 15 business days from receipt to comply; request an informal conference with Eastmond, the OSHA area director; or to plead its case to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.