April 7, 2021

North Florida contractor faces $61K in federal penalties for exposing
employees to fall hazards at Jacksonville-area worksite
US Department of Labor cited the employer in 2017 for similar hazards

BUNNELL, FL – Falls are among the most fatal hazards construction workers face. A recent inspection of a Bunnell residential work site showed a framing and sheathing contractor failed to protect their employees from falls.

As part of its Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited P & S Service Group Inc. for repeat violations for failing to ensure employees used a fall protection system while working from heights greater than 6 feet. OSHA cited the company for a similar violation in October 2017. The company faces $61,575 in penalties.

“This employer has repeatedly disregarded the safety of their employees despite previous OSHA violations,” said OSHA Area Director Michelle Gonzalez in Jacksonville, Florida. “Employers must ensure that workers are protected from these well-known hazards.”

OSHA’s Fall Protection in Construction booklet provides information on federal fall prevention requirements, including conventional fall protection systems, restraints and training. The Fall Protection webpage offers extensive reference materials to help employers and workers recognize and prevent fall hazards.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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:

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

Release Number:  21-308-ATL (86)

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).