Fall protection continues to be one of the most closely enforced safety requirements in the construction industry, particularly in residential roofing. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed nearly $350,000 in penalties against a Florida roofing contractor after investigators identified repeated and alleged willful violations related to worker fall protection.
According to OSHA, investigators inspected two residential construction sites in Rockledge, Florida, following observations made in January and March 2026.
The agency alleged that Orchids Builders LLC allowed employees to work on sloped roofs without required fall protection, exposing workers to fall hazards ranging from approximately 9 to 10 feet.
OSHA also cited the contractor for failing to maintain written documentation of employee fall protection training, not providing eye protection for workers using nail guns and allowing the use of ladders whose side rails did not extend the required distance above roof landings.
The agency issued two willful and four repeat citations and proposed penalties totaling $349,754.
OSHA reported that Orchids Builders LLC has been inspected seven times since 2023 and stated that each inspection identified fall protection violations.
The employer has 15 business days after receiving the citations to comply with the requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Fall protection remains one of the leading safety concerns on construction sites and is consistently among OSHA's most frequently cited standards. For construction owners, general contractors and subcontractors, maintaining comprehensive fall protection programs, worker training and equipment compliance is critical to reducing jobsite risks, avoiding enforcement actions and protecting project schedules.
Source: U.S. Department Of Labor.
