OHSA has cited Sarasota, Fla., roofing contractor Crown Roofing for exposing workers to fall hazards at two separate worksites across the state, according to a news release from the agency. The contractor faces penalties of $265,196 for the alleged violations.
OSHA initiated the investigations as part of the agency's Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction after agency inspectors observed Crown Roofing employees working on roofs without fall protection. According to the release, Crown Roofing has been inspected 17 times in the past five years, with 11 inspections resulting in repeat violations of OSHA's fall protection standard. OSHA cited the contractor in June 2018 and November 2018 for exposing employees to fall hazards.
"Companies that fail to meet basic fall protection requirements are placing workers' lives at risk," said OSHA Fort Lauderdale area director Condell Eastmond. "Crown Roofing's repeated disregard for complying with safety and health standards demonstrates their indifference to employee safety."
Crown Roofing has 15 business days from the receipt of the proposed penalties to either comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the findings.