The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently investigated a tragic incident at an Arcadia worksite where a 31-year-old steel erector lost his life due to a fall. The investigation revealed that the employer, Landmark Erecting Inc. of Hahira, failed to enforce safety regulations, leading to the fatal accident.
According to OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida, "Landmark Erecting’s repeated failure to follow required safeguards to protect employees from falls, especially after we cited the company less than a year earlier for exposing workers to this potentially deadly hazard, is inexcusable."
The agency cited Landmark Erecting Inc. for a repeat violation for not ensuring fall protection for workers, a similar violation to one cited in a previous incident. Additionally, the employer was cited for failing to provide accessible medical treatment for the injured worker and for not reporting the fatality within the required timeframe.
OSHA proposed a penalty of $46,550 to address the violations, emphasizing the legal obligation of all employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
In 2022, falls, slips, and trips accounted for 78 workplace fatalities in Florida, highlighting the importance of proper safety measures in all industries. Landmark Erecting Inc., established in 2021 and specializing in the construction of prefabricated metal buildings, has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties or to contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Employers are encouraged to visit OSHA’s website for resources on workplace safety and health programs, as well as compliance assistance resources to ensure adherence to OSHA standards and regulations.
