Four Washington state construction companies were fined more than $500,000 combined over the past three months for failing to follow fall protection rules, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The department says the citations underscore a persistent and deadly issue in the industry.

“Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, with more than 1,600 workers injured by falls yearly in Washington,” L&I said in a statement. The department regularly inspects construction sites to enforce safety regulations, especially fall protection, which is required when workers are operating at elevations of 4 feet or higher in general industry and 6 feet or more in construction.

One of the firms cited was Legacy Roofing Northwest, which also operates as America 1st Roofing & Builders Inc. According to L&I, inspectors observed a worker on a roof without any fall protection in place, directly above exposed rebar on the ground below—posing multiple hazards. That inspection earlier this year resulted in a $95,648 fine, which the company did not contest.

On May 6, the department issued another $112,000 citation to the same company, citing willful violations, including allowing workers to operate nail guns without eye protection while installing shingles. The company has appealed that latest citation. L&I noted that Legacy Roofing/America 1st has been cited nine times in the past three years, with four citations related directly to fall protection.

“These ongoing violations suggest a troubling disregard for worker safety,” an L&I spokesperson said.

Three other companies were also hit with significant fines in recent months for similar violations:

• Sol Construction LLC of Olympia was fined $128,400 for willful violations on March 5. Inspectors documented four workers on a two-story roof without fall protection. The company is appealing the fine.
• Modern S Construction LLC, based in Edgewood, was fined $118,440 on March 17 after inspectors found four employees framing a two-story home more than 12 feet above the ground without fall protection. The investigation also revealed that the workers had not been trained and were exposed to unguarded openings. The company did not appeal the fine.
• Second 2 None Exteriors LLC of Spanaway received a $127,400 fine on March 19. According to L&I, inspectors photographed two roofers working more than 12 feet off the ground without fall protection or edge guarding. That company is also contesting the citation.

L&I emphasizes that fall protection is not optional and that repeated noncompliance can lead to severe penalties — not just for financial reasons, but for the safety of workers. The department has stepped up inspections in recent years following a rise in construction activity across Washington and a corresponding increase in workplace injuries related to falls.

“Too many workers are being put in dangerous situations that are easily preventable,” said the L&I spokesperson. “The rules exist to save lives.”

Construction firms found in violation of safety standards may also face increased insurance premiums and scrutiny during future inspections, along with potential civil or even criminal liabilities in extreme cases.

Originally reported by Insurance Journal.