ConDig (27-May-20).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined two Florida-based contractors a total of $44,146 after a worker fell to his death on a project in Miami, Florida.

The agency cited Prestige Estates Property Management LLC of North Miami and Jesus Balbuena of Miami, Florida, after failing to protect employees from fall hazards.

It comes after an employee’s 20-foot fall from an aerial lift that led to fatal injuries. OSHA cited the employers for failing to ensure the use of a fall protection system to protect workers on an aerial lift, train employees to recognize and avoid fall hazards, and develop and implement an accident prevention program. 

OSHA also cited Prestige Estates for failing to report a hospitalization within 24 hours and a fatality within 8 hours, as required.

“Allowing employees to work at heights without using proper fall protection methods increases the risk of serious or fatal injuries,” said OSHA acting Fort Lauderdale area director Juan Torres. 

“Employers have an obligation to ensure the working conditions they ask employees to operate under are free of recognized hazards.”

The companies have 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 fined a Sarasota, Florida-based roofing contractor $134,937 for exposing workers to fall hazards on a residential project in Tamarac.

Last month, OSHA fined a Georgia-based Creative Multicare Inc $183,127 after a fatal incident at a worksite in Perry, Georgia.