Long Island Roofing Contractor hit with OSHA’s Second Highest Fine for Q4 2023

A NY roofing contractor, Elite Roofing Services Inc., has been subjected to the second-highest OSHA fine in the fourth quarter of 2023, amounting to $522,527.

This substantial fine was levied following an accident at a Glen Cove, New York, jobsite, where a worker’s fatal fall could have been prevented with the proper implementation of fall protection measures, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. The tragedy brings to the forefront the grave consequences of neglecting safety protocols and the imperative need for vigilance and compliance to prevent such incidents.

OSHA’s findings revealed that Elite Roofing Services Inc. did not furnish its workers with the necessary fall protections while they were installing a metal deck on a flat roof, leading to a worker plummeting 20 feet to a concrete floor below. This incident resulted in the issuance of six willful violations by OSHA, each corresponding to a worker exposed to fall hazards, and one serious violation for failing to train workers on proper fall protection techniques.

The enforcement action taken against Elite Roofing Services Inc. signifies a strong message from OSHA regarding the non-negotiable nature of worker safety in the construction industry. It serves as a reminder to all construction firms, especially those operating within New York, of the critical importance of adhering to safety standards to safeguard their workforce.

As NY construction accident lawyers, we underscore the necessity for all construction entities to not only comply with OSHA regulations but to go above and beyond in fostering a culture of safety that prioritizes the well-being of every individual on the job site. The case of Elite Roofing Services Inc. is a sobering illustration of the human and financial costs associated with neglecting this duty.