March 30, 2023

For the 6th time in 13 months, Department of Labor finds Fort Walton Beach
framing contractor endangering workers at Florida worksites

Panhandle Guest Design Inc. faces $82K in penalties after three October 2022 inspections

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL – For the sixth time since 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor has found a Fort Walton Beach framing contractor endangering employees by not following federal safety standards for fall and eye protection and other hazards.

On Oct. 6, 2022, the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued Panhandle Guest Design Inc. a citation for two repeat violations for failing to ensure employees used required fall protection while performing roofing activities and had eye protection while working with nail guns. OSHA also cited the employer two serious violations for not properly training workers on safe operation of powered industrial trucks and for failing to ensure employees wore hard hats while conducting framing activities.

About three weeks later – in two subsequent inspections of Panhandle Guest Design Inc. worksites on Oct. 25, 2022, in Santa Rose Beach and Oct. 26, 2022, in Inlet Beach – OSHA inspectors identified three repeat and two serious violations for not complying with federal safety standards for fall and eye protection.

In total, OSHA has proposed $82,500 in penalties for the violations found in the three inspections.

"When employers like Panhandle Guest Design Inc. repeatedly ignore established safety regulations, the likelihood of serious injuries or worse increases significantly," said OSHA Area Office Director Jose Gonzalez in Mobile, Alabama. "Without proper protective equipment, this employer's workers are exposed to deadly falls and possible blindness. No excuse justifies risking employees' safety and lives."

OSHA previously cited Panhandle Guest Design Inc. twice in October 2021 and once in September 2022 for similar safety issues involving fall hazards and lack of eye and face protection.

Incorporated in January 2021, Panhandle Guest Design Inc. is a residential framing contractor based in Fort Walton Beach.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Visit OSHA's website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

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Media Contacts:

Erika B. Ruthman, 678-237-0630, ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov
Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number: 22-449-ATL (122)