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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Department of Labor recovers nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 misclassified Oklahoma construction workers

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Department of Labor recovers nearly $100K in wages, damages for 31 misclassified Oklahoma construction workers
Employer name:                      Future Inc.Investigation sites:               10216 Oak Dr                                                        Newalla, OK 74857Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found Future Inc. – a dirt work contractor serving commercial, industrial and residential clients – misclassified 31 construction workers employed to complete major projects in a multi-state area as independent contractors. Future Inc. violated federal law by failing to pay the required time and one-half its employees’ hourly wages for hours worked over 40 per workweek. In 2023, the division found more than $35.5 million in owed wages for construction industry workers. On Jan. 10, 2024, the department published a final rule, effective March 11, revising the department’s guidance on how to analyze who is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Learn more about the final rule.Back wages recovered:  $49,940 in owed wages and $49,940 in liquidated damages to 31 workers.                Quote: “Misclassifying employees as independent contractors denies workers minimum wage, overtime pay and other protections, and can lead to unfair competition among industry employers,” said Wage and Hour District Director Michael Speer in Oklahoma City. “Misclassification can also deny workers employment benefits and protections such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and family and medical leave. Employers must ensure their hiring practices align with the law to avoid costly violations.”Lea en Español

Published at March 27, 2024 at 05:00AM
Read more at https://dol.gov

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