Region 4 News Release: 09-261-ATL (058)
March 11, 2009
Contact: Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2078

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Pompano Beach, Fla., roofing contractor with 9 safety citations following Broward County roofing fatality

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is citing Southern Certified, a roofing contractor based in Pompano Beach, Fla., for nine safety violations following the death of an employee who fell about 30 feet while working on a roof without fall protection.

OSHA, which began its inspection in September 2008, is proposing one willful citation against management for allowing employees to continue working on the same roof without fall protection after the fatality. The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

Eight serious violations include management's failure to provide a warning line system around the entire perimeter of the roof, failure to provide a path of access to the hoisting area, improper use of ladders, lack of a written hazard communication program for chemicals, lack of a site specific hazard identification program and worksite analysis, and lack of employee training.

"Having experienced a fatality at this site, Southern Certified management's failure to take precautions with other employees is irresponsible. That is precisely why OSHA is issuing the willful citation," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale.

For the nine citations, OSHA is proposing $54,100 in penalties, $49,000 for the willful violation and $5,100 for the serious violations, against the company.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office, 8040 Peters Road, Building H-100; telephone 954-424-0242.

OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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