Con Dig (28-Apr–26)  A South Florida roofing contractor is facing federal safety violations and more than $170,000 in proposed penalties after a worker was killed and another seriously injured in a fall from a residential roof.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), part of the U.S. Department of Labor, cited Max Home Services LLC—operating as Pasat Roofing and Solar Energy—for willfully exposing workers to fall hazards following a September 2025 incident.

According to OSHA investigators, two employees were installing a tarp on a two-story residence on Sept. 24 when they slipped and fell more than 20 feet into an empty swimming pool. One worker died from their injuries, while the second sustained serious injuries.

OSHA determined the company failed to provide required fall protection equipment despite the significant elevation risk. The agency issued one willful violation—the most serious classification—alongside two additional serious violations.

Investigators also found the employer did not adequately train workers to recognize fall hazards and failed to implement a hazard communication program for employees handling potentially hazardous chemicals.

In total, OSHA proposed $172,324 in penalties.

The company has contested the citations before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, meaning final penalties could be adjusted as the case proceeds.

The case underscores ongoing safety challenges in the construction sector, where falls from height remain the leading cause of worker fatalities.

Roofing work is consistently among the highest-risk activities, particularly in residential construction where projects are smaller in scale but often lack formal safety controls seen on larger commercial sites.

Federal safety regulators have repeatedly emphasized the need for proper fall protection systems, including harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets, particularly for work performed at heights above six feet.

The incident highlights the continued enforcement focus on fall protection standards across the construction industry, especially in regions like Florida where roofing activity remains strong due to ongoing residential demand and storm-related repair work.

For contractors, the case serves as a reminder that safety compliance is not only a regulatory requirement but a critical operational risk factor, with potential consequences ranging from financial penalties to loss of life.

OSHA continues to promote its national fall prevention campaign and offers compliance assistance resources aimed at reducing workplace injuries and fatalities across the sector.