OSHA cites Florida roofing contractor after fatal fall

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited TarHeel Corp., St. Petersburg, Florida, for exposing employees to safety hazards after an employee suffered fatal injuries from a fall at the Forest Glen Community in Naples, Florida.

OSHA cited the contractor for failing to: provide employees with fall protection systems while they performed roofing activities, train them on the proper procedures to erect and use the systems and train employees operating powered industrial trucks. The roofing and waterproofing contractor faces $32,013 in penalties.

“This incident may have been prevented had the company implemented and followed OSHA’s fall protection standards,” said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Director Condell Eastmond in a news release.

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 OSHA's website.