On March 10, OSHA investigators again inspected another Orchids Builders worksite in Rockledge and found the employer exposed a worker to a 9-foot fall hazard while installing metal hurricane clip, according to the release. The investigators also found that Orchids Builders failed to prepare and maintain written fall protection training certificates for employees at both worksites; did not ensure workers had eye protection while using nail guns; and allowed workers to use ladders with side rails that did not extend at least 36 inches above the roof landing, increasing the likelihood and risk of a fall.

OSHA cited the employer for two willful and four repeat violations and proposed $349,754 in penalties. Orchids Builders LLC has been inspected seven times since 2023 and all the cases included fall protection violations.

Officials with the company could not be reach by publication time. By law, it has 15 days from receipt of the complaint to appeal, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings outright. 

Falls from height continue to be the chief cause of workplace fatalities and injuries on roofing jobsites.

OSHA’s fall prevention webpage includes a free and downloadable fall protection guide for roofing contractors.