Recent Incidents Highlight Fall Hazards in Many Florida Workplaces
One might assume that fall hazards only exist in certain workplaces – but these dangers affect all workers in Florida. This was made clear by two markedly different recent incidents in the Sunshine State. While one of these accidents may seem predictable, the other shows that falls can occur in unexpected situations. Regardless of how or where an employee falls, they should always consider their rights under the Workers’ Compensation program in Florida.
Roofing Contractors Faces Scrutiny After Fall Protection Violations
On November 1st of 2023, Roofing Contractor reported that a roofing contractor was facing renewed scrutiny after fall protection violations. This was apparently the fourth time since 2022 that the company had been cited for failing to adhere to proper safety regulations. Although this new citation was not associated with any injuries, the contractor allegedly allowed its workers to operate at heights of more than 10 feet without any fall protection whatsoever.
Although worrying, this incident is perhaps not overly surprising. After all, roofers suffer obvious and heightened fall hazards due to the nature of their work. It’s no secret that roofers suffer more fall-related injuries than many other workers throughout Florida. Regulations cannot reliably stop roofing companies from exposing their workers to obvious dangers – and the aforementioned contractor will likely continue to operate despite paying a new $72,000 fine for its latest citation.
Grocery Store Faces Citation after Fatal Fall
While fall dangers associated with roofing might be predictable, they might not be quite as obvious in other sectors. The average grocery store worker probably doesn’t expect to suffer a fatal fall – but the risk is real. This was made clear after a grocer in Florida lost their life after slipping and falling. The incident led to a citation for the grocery store, with the employer expected to pay over $95,000 in fines.
According to the OSHA, a 65-year-old employee fell from a defective ladder, tumbling 9 feet before impacting the ground. This led to injuries that proved fatal. The OSHA outlines several safety violations in connection with this incident, including an improperly modified ladder, the lack of lock systems, the lack of fall protections, obstructed emergency exits, fire hazards, improperly stacked merchandise, and lack of proper forklift training.
These incidents show that virtually any employee can suffer a fall-related injury, and these injuries can easily be fatal.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney in Tampa?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Tampa workers’ comp attorney, look no further than the Franco Law Firm. We know that fall hazards affect workers of all types in Florida. Whether you were working at a construction site or a supermarket, you deserve the opportunity to explore options for compensation. The best way to do this is alongside a workers’ comp attorney – so book your consultation today to get started.
Sources:
roofingcontractor.com/articles/98876-florida-roofing-contractor-cited-once-again-for-fall-protection-violations
safety.blr.com/workplace-safety-news/safety-administration/OSHA-and-state-safety-compliance-enforcement/Florida-grocer-cited-in-employees-fatal-fall/
