OSHA cites contractor for repeatedly exposing employees to fall hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced Dec. 13 that it has cited Turnkey Construction Planners Inc., a roofing contractor based in Melbourne, Florida, for exposing employees to fall hazards. The company faces $199,184 in penalties.

OSHA initiated an inspection as part of its Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction. Inspectors observed employees working without the use of conventional fall protection at two separate work sites in Port St. Lucie, Florida. OSHA has cited the company four times in the past five years for similar violations.

"Repeatedly exposing employees to fall hazards that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities is inexcusable," OSHA Fort Lauderdale Office Director Condell Eastmond says. "Employers have an obligation to identify and eliminate known hazards that place their employees in harm's way."

Turnkey Construction 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.