Federal investigators cite Florida roofing contractor for willfully, repeatedly ignoring fall protection standards, propose $349K in fines

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Federal investigators cite Florida roofing contractor for willfully, repeatedly ignoring fall protection standards, propose $349K in fines ORLANDO, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Florida roofing company for willfully putting workers at risk of falling at residential construction sites. Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that on Jan. 21, 2026, Orchids Builders LLC exposed workers to a 10-foot fall hazard when it failed to provide them with fall protection while they installed sheathing on a sloped roof at a Rockledge worksite. On March 10, 2026, OSHA investigators found the employer exposed a worker to a 9-foot fall hazard while installing metal hurricane clips at another Rockledge worksite. OSHA 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,...
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US Department of Labor recovers $330K in back wages for 20 workers denied overtime pay by North Carolina contractor

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US Department of Labor recovers $330K in back wages for 20 workers denied overtime pay by North Carolina contractor
Employer:                               ELJ Inc. Investigation site:                  133 Batting Cage Trail                                                  Jacksonville, NC 28540 Investigation findings: Investigators with the department’s Wage and Hour Division found the North Carolina general contractor misclassified its employees as independent contractors and paid straight-time rates for all hours worked. By doing so, ELJ Inc. failed to pay employees the additional half time rate of pay for overtime  hours over 40 in a workweek, which violated the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime requirements. The employer also failed to maintain accurate and complete records with employees’ Social Security numbers, addresses, rates of pay and total earnings.   Back Wages and Liquidated Damages Recovered: $330,367 for 20 workers.                               Quote: “Employers who misclassify employees as independent contractors deny them overtime wages and may deny them state-required workers compensation and unemployment insurance protections,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Richard Blaylock in Raleigh, North Carolina. “The Wage and Hour Division is determined to hold employers accountable when they shortchange workers and gain an unfair competitive advantage. We suggest that employers review their pay practices to make sure their practices comply with the law, and to contact us with questions or concerns.” Background: Employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. The division also offers online resources for employers, such as a fact sheet on Fair Labor Standards Act wage laws overtime requirements and a compliance assistance toolkit for the Construction Industry. Workers who feel they may not be getting the wages they earned may contact a Wage and Hour Division representative in their state through a list and interactive online map on the agency’s website. Workers and employers alike can help ensure hours worked and pay are accurate by downloading the department’s Android Timesheet App for free. Learn more about Wage and Hour Division.

Published at February 27, 2023 at 04:00PM
Read more at https://dol.gov

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