US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Naples, Fla., roofing contractor with 14 safety violations, nearly $61,000 in penalties

NAPLES, Fla. (MMD Newswire) March 16, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing $60,900 in penalties against Naples-based Morca Contracting Corp. for 14 serious safety violations found at a worksite on Marco Island.

OSHA began its inspection as part of a local emphasis program in South Florida targeting fall protection.

"Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational deaths," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "Any time a construction worker is at a height of 6 feet or more, that worker is at risk and needs to be protected."

The serious violations include multiple failures to prepare and maintain adequate scaffolding, resulting in workers being exposed to fall hazards; a lack of fall protection for workers; and inadequate training for employees on recognition and prevention of fall hazards. A serious violation is issued when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Morca Contracting Corp. employs approximately 29 workers in roofing construction.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Fort Lauderdale area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.