OSHA cited Cruz Enterprises & Construction LLC — based in Dover, Fla. — and Intex Builders LLC — based in Tampa — for willfully allowing employees to perform roofing activities without conventional fall protection. View the citation here.

OSHA also cited Intex Builders for allowing employees to operate a powered industrial truck without being trained or certified, and exposing employees to struck-by hazards — injuries caused by forcible contact or impact between a person and an object or piece of equipment. OSHA conducted the inspection in conjunction with the Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction. View the citation here.

"Assuring a safe workplace is the law," said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "Employers are legally obligated to comply with safety standards to ensure that workers are protected from hazards that can cause serious injuries."

The companies have 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.

These aren’t the first citations to be issued this month by OSHA regarding fall hazards. OSHA recently cited Roofing Solutions LLC in Charleston, W.V. for similar penalties. The company faces $202,998 in penalties.

Fall hazard citations are OSHA’s most cited safety violation in 2019, with 6,010 violations reported as of August.