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

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,...

US Department of Labor recovers $132K in back wages, liquidated damages for workers; assesses penalties to Clearwater roofing contractor that denied overtime

US Department of Labor recovers $132K in back wages, liquidated damages for workers; assesses penalties to Clearwater roofing contractor that denied overtime
Employer:                              All Florida Weatherproofing & Construction Inc.                                                4231 112th Terrace North                                                Clearwater, FL 33762                                                Investigation findings: U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigators found a Clearwater roofing contractor of mobile and manufactured homes failed to pay overtime for hours worked over 40 in a workweek to 21 employees as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Specifically, the employer paid workers by the piece, but failed to pay the time-and-one-half rate for hours worked over 40. In addition, All Florida Weatherproofing did not include non-discretionary bonuses in the employees’ regular rate when computing overtime payments. The employer also failed to maintain time records outlining start and stop times for employees’ workdays.An investigation concluded by the agency in 2019 found similar overtime violations. Back wages and liquidated damages recovered: The division recovered $132,400 in back wages and liquidated damages for 21 workers.Civil money penalties assessed: The agency assessed the employer $8,463 in civil money penalties to address the repeat nature of the violations.                                                Quote: “Paying workers by piece does not excuse an employer’s requirement to pay overtime when the employees work more than 40 hours in the workweek. All Florida Weatherproofing & Construction is well aware of their obligation after our agency found similar violation just four years ago,” explained Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicolas Ratmiroff in Tampa, Florida. “Once the workday begins, employers must count preparation work, travel time and principal work activities as hours worked. Employers and employees can reach out to us for help in understanding their obligations and rights under the law.”Background: Employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including the fact sheets that outline employers and employees obligations and rights in regard to overtime under the FLSA. Workers and employers alike can help track hours worked and pay by downloading the department’s Android and iOS timesheet app for free, available in English or Spanish.  

Published at January 11, 2024 at 04:00AM
Read more at https://dol.gov

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Settlement affirms willful OSHA violations, $215K penalties, against contractors for fall hazards at multiple New Jersey work sites

US Department of Labor awards $86M to 14 states for investment in skills training programs for critical in-demand, emerging industries

St. Louis contractor faces $258K in fines after exposing roofing workers to potentially deadly fall hazards 5 times in 7 weeks at Wentzville worksites