December 5, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Florida Roofing Contractor
For Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards and Eye Injuries

ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Garabar Inc. – based in Lake Worth, Florida – for exposing employees to safety hazards at a worksite in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. The roofing contractor faces $64,974 in penalties.

OSHA cited the contractor for exposing employees to fall hazards by allowing them to make repairs to a roof without fall protection. OSHA also cited Garabar Inc. for allowing employees to use an extension ladder that did not extend at least 3 feet beyond a landing surface; placing the ladder in front of a driveway without securing or barricading the base as required; and allowing employees to operate a circular saw without eye protection. OSHA conducted the inspection in conjunction with the agency's Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction.

"Falls continue to be a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in construction," said OSHA Area Office Director Condell Eastmond, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "Employers have an obligation to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards, and ensure all safety and personal protective equipment are correctly used."

OSHA's Protecting Roofing Workers booklet explains fall protection requirements, how to set up personal fall arrest and fall restraint systems, and properly secure ladders.

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.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contacts:

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

Release Number:  19-1899-ATL (427)

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).