The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Florida roofing company after investigators found workers were repeatedly exposed to fall hazards at residential construction sites.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that Orchids Builders LLC failed to provide fall protection during roofing work at two sites in Rockledge, Florida.
Workers exposed to fall risks
During an inspection on 21 January, OSHA investigators found workers installing roof sheathing without fall protection, exposing them to a fall of approximately 10 feet.
A second inspection on 10 March identified another worker exposed to a 9 foot fall hazard while installing metal hurricane clips on a separate residential project.
Multiple violations
OSHA also found that the company failed to prepare and maintain written fall protection training certificates for employees, did not ensure workers wore eye protection while using nail guns and allowed ladders to be used where the side rails did not extend at least 36 inches above the roof landing, increasing the risk of falls.
The agency cited Orchids Builders LLC for two willful violations and four repeat violations, proposing penalties totalling $349,754.
OSHA said the company has been inspected seven times since 2023, with every inspection identifying fall protection violations.
Next steps
Orchids Builders LLC has 15 business days from receiving the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
OSHA noted that the inspection and penalty status may change as the enforcement process progresses.
