Being cited four times in the past five years for fall hazards apparently did not cause a Florida roofing contractor to change its workplace safety practices. In its most recent interaction with OSHA, Turnkey Construction Planners Inc. was cited for failing to provide fall protection to its workers. The Melbourne-based company faces $199,184 in penalties.

OSHA initiated the inspection that resulted in the citations as part of its Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction. Inspectors observed employees working without the use of conventional fall protection at two separate worksites in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

"Repeatedly exposing employees to fall hazards that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities is inexcusable," said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Office Director Condell Eastmond. "Employers have an obligation to identify and eliminate known hazards that place their employees in harm's way."

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