Region 4 News Release: 12-802-ATL (164)
May 03, 2012
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Fort Lauderdale, Fla., roofing
contractor for lack of fall protection, other safety hazards

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – White Star Roofing Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for eight safety – including one willful – violations. OSHA initiated an inspection after a compliance officer noticed potential violations at a work site at 201 Seven Isles Drive in Fort Lauderdale, where the company's workers were putting a new roof on a building. Proposed penalties total $62,400.

The willful citation, with a $42,000 penalty, was issued for allowing workers to operate on a steep roof without personal fall arrest systems. Management indicated an awareness of OSHA's safety standards but admitted to compromising for economic reasons. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Seven serious safety violations involve failing to train workers on fall prevention awareness, using personal fall arrest devices such as harnesses and how to maintain protective equipment; provide personal protective equipment such as gloves and eyewear when workers are mopping hot asphalt on roofs; provide protective head gear to employees working below roof eaves; conduct regular inspections of the work site to identify potential hazards; and develop and implement a hazard communication program. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The citations carry penalties of $20,400.

"Fall protection is critical when working on roofs," said Darlene Fossum, director of OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office. "Falls are a leading cause of workplace fatalities, and workers deserve a hazard-free environment."

White Star Roofing Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Fort Lauderdale office at 954-424-0242.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.