Former Owner of Florida-Based SB Framing Services Sentenced For Willfully Violating Federal Fall Protection Standards

NAPLES, FL – After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Fort Myers Division, has sentenced Stalin Rene Barahona – former owner of the now-dissolved SB Framing Services Inc. in Naples, Florida – to 30 days in prison. Barahona pleaded guilty to one count of willfully violating federal fall protection standards. He will begin serving his sentence on Feb. 26, 2020.

On Sept. 26, 2015, OSHA conducted a fatality investigation after an SB Framing Services’ employee fatally fell while doing construction work at a new residence in Naples. OSHA cited the company for a willful violation for failing to ensure the use of a fall protection system, and a serious violation for failing to train employees to recognize potential fall hazards.

“This enforcement action demonstrates that OSHA will utilize every resource available to ensure that safety and health standards are followed to protect employees from potential risk,” said OSHA’s Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer, in Atlanta, Georgia.

OSHA’s Fall Protection in Residential Construction webpage provides resources that explain fall protection requirements for certain construction activities, types of fall protection systems and safe work practices to prevent falls.

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 working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.