OSHA fines Florida roofing contractor for fall violations

ConDig (15-Jul-20).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a Florida-based roofing contractor $49,930 for exposing employees to fall hazards at two projects in Boynton Beach.

The agency cited Camaney Services of Central Florida Inc, based in Lake Worth, for failing to develop and implement an accident prevention program, train employees on how to recognize and control fall hazards and conduct regular inspections of worksites to ensure a conventional fall protection system was available to employees. 

In addition, OSHA cited the contractor for failing to ensure that portable ladders extended at least 3 feet above the upper landing and allowing employees to use an A-frame ladder improperly.

“Falls are the leading cause of work-related injuries and fatalities among roofers,” said OSHA Fort Lauderdale area director Condell Eastmond. 

“Employers must provide the right fall protection equipment, and train workers on how to use the equipment safely.”

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.

Earlier this month, OSHA has fined a Missouri-based contractor $224,459 after an employee suffered severe injuries when a 20-foot trench collapsed during excavation of Creve Coeur Sanitary Sewer Trunk in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

The agency cited Unnerstall Contracting Company LLC for failing to utilize adequate trench protective systems, permitting employees to ride in the bucket of hydraulic excavators and allowing water to accumulate in the floor of the trench.