U.S. Department of Labor Issues $265,196 in Penalties to Florida Roofing Contractor for Repeatedly Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards

NAPLES, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Crown Roofing LLC for exposing employees to fall hazards at two separate residential worksites in Port St. Lucie and Naples, Florida. The Sarasota, Florida-based contractor faces penalties of $265,196.

OSHA initiated the inspections in August and October of 2018, as part of the agency's Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction, after inspectors observed the company's employees working on roofs without fall protection. OSHA cited Crown Roofing for exposing employees to fall hazards. The company has been inspected 17 times in the past five years, with 11 of the inspections resulting in repeat violations of the fall protection standard.

"Companies that fail to meet basic fall protection requirements are placing workers' lives at risk," said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Director Condell Eastmond. "Crown Roofing's repeated disregard for complying with safety and health standards demonstrates their indifference to employee safety."

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.

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 help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.