Sunpro Solar’s owner cited again for exposing workers to fall hazards after investigation at Naples work site; faces $160K in penalties

NAPLES, FL – Despite being cited twice in two years for exposing workers to dangerous fall hazards, one of the nation’s leading residential solar panel installation contractors has again violated federal workplace safety requirements, this time at a Naples work site.

After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the agency cited Marc Jones Construction LLC – operating as Sunpro Solar – for a repeat violation after inspectors found workers exposed to falls, the leading cause of death and serious injuries in the construction industry. In addition, the agency cited the company for allowing workers to climb up and down extension ladders while carrying loads that could have caused them to fall, and failing to provide fall protection training to employees. OSHA cited the Louisiana-based company for similar violations twice in Texas, in San Antonio in January 2021 and in El Paso in April 2020.

OSHA proposed $160,913 in penalties for the violations.

“Marc Jones Construction has ignored the law repeatedly and failed to protect their workers from well-known fall hazards,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “OSHA will continue holding this company accountable until they start meeting their obligations and complying with OSHA standards.”

Based in Mandeville, Louisiana, Marc Jones Construction LLC is a commercial and residential solar panel installation company operating in 21 states. In 2008, the company founded Sunpro Solar, ranked second on “Solar Power World” magazine’s 2021 list of top residential solar installers in the U.S.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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.

OSHA provides useful information on protecting roofing workers and the required use of fall protection in construction.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Learn more about OSHA.