April 3, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Finds Florida Roofing Contractor Continues to Expose Employees to Fall Hazards

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Florida Roofing Experts Inc. for exposing employees to fall hazards at a Jacksonville, Florida, worksite. The company faces the maximum penalty allowed of $132,598.

OSHA initiated the inspection as part of the Agency's Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction after inspectors saw employees performing residential roofing activities without fall protection. OSHA cited the roofing contractor for failing to provide fall protection for employees working at heights up to 13 feet.

"Implementing OSHA’s safety standards can help protect employees from risk of serious or fatal injuries." said OSHA Jacksonville Area Director Michelle Gonzalez. "Employers have an obligation to provide personal protective equipment for their workers to prevent from falls from height."

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

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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Michael D'Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov
Eric Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number: 19-499-ATL (101)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).