OSHA Cites Roofing Contractor for Fall Hazards

During a recent OSHA enforcement action a sobering reality was reinforced, fall hazards remain one of the most dangerous risks in construction and roofing work. On September 15, 2025, OSHA announced that a Florida roofing contractor was cited for 10 safety violations after workers fell through residential skylights without having fall protection. The proposed penalties total over $700,000.

Click here for more Information on the OSHA Regional News Brief – Atlanta Region

What makes this case especially alarming is that the work being done was “residential roofing / skylight removal,” tasks that many that work in the field of roofing may consider (mistakenly), just a routine. This incident shows though, that even what seems like “routine” work at height can carry catastrophic risk to not only the employees, to the company and to the brand when fall protection is ignored.

Why This Matters for Employees and Contactors in The Roofing Industry

• If a contractor fails to install guardrails, fall arrest systems or other protective measures, they can face heavy fines. Or even worse they can be liable for any for any serious injuries or death on or near the site. OSHA 1910.29 – Fall protection systems and falling object protection – criteria and practices

• Every project, even a “routine project” must be evaluated for fall risk. Don’t assume that because a task seems simple, a fall protection plan isn’t needed. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501 – Duty to have fall protection

• Proactive safety pays dividends. Having robust plans, documented inspections, competent supervision and a certified well-trained crew can not only reduce risks but also mitigate liability and protect your reputation. Don’t have your company full under the lines of the roofing company in Jacksonville, Florida.

• Bridges between federal and state rules. For clients operating in states with additional or stricter fall-protection rules (such as California), it’s not enough to simply meet OSHA’s requirements, you must also comply with local/state standards as well. California Department of Industrial Relations §1730. Roof Hazards

What This Means for Our Team at NATEC International

• At NATEC International, we don’t just train in a single fall-protection method, we stay at the forefront of fall protection plans. We offer all types of fall protection solutions. We believe safety demands flexibility, so our programs span to guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest systems, warning-line systems, scaffolds, and specialty solutions. NATEC International Fall Protection Programs

• We reinforce training on fall hazards so OSHA cases like Jacksonville, Florida don’t happen to your company and employees. This is a vivid real-world example we can bring into our training programs: skylights, roofs, opening edges and all fall hazards.

• We always keep up to date on OSHA and Cal OSHA protocols. We ensure that our instructors, field evaluators and safety auditors are using the latest checklists and site review tools for fall protection.

• We stay ahead of evolving rules. Regulatory agencies regularly refine fall-protection standards; we keep our courses, materials, and internal knowledge all current and up to date.

A Reminder: Our Own Fall-Protection Update (Cal/OSHA, Effective July 1, 2025)

As you likely know, back in July 2025, California adopted more Strict fall protection rules for construction and residential types of work. Some highlights from our previous NATEC Int. Blog On Cal/OSHA Fall Protection were:

• The triggering height for fall protection in many framing, sheathing, and roofing activities was lowered to 6 feet.

• A fallback plan (a written fall protection plan) is now allowed only when conventional means (guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest) are demonstrated to be infeasible.

• That plan must be site-specific, prepared by a qualified person and documented/maintained as work evolve.

If you haven’t seen our full write-up yet, check out our NATEC blog post: Cal/OSHA Fall Protection Update Effective July 1, 2025. It outlines the changes, what triggers them, and a checklist of compliance steps. natecintl.com