December 18, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Finds Florida Contractor Exposed Employees
To Fall Hazards at Palm Beach Gardens, Port Saint Lucie Worksites

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Action Roofing Services Inc. – based in Pompano Beach, Florida – for exposing employees to safety hazards at Palm Beach Gardens and Port Saint Lucie, Florida, worksites. The roofing contractor faces $146,280 in penalties.

OSHA cited the contractor for failing to provide fall protection to employees installing roofing tile at both worksites. At the Port Saint Lucie worksite, OSHA also cited Action Roofing for improperly using the upper section of an extension ladder to gain access to a roof, and for placing the ladder in front of a door without securing it. At the Palm Beach Garden worksite, the agency cited the contractor for failing to train workers on how to recognize and prevent fall hazards. OSHA conducted the inspections 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 must provide workers performing roofing activities with appropriate fall protection to help ensure their safety.”

OSHA’s Protecting Roofing Workers booklet explains fall protection requirements, and 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: 19-2169-ATL (450)

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).