US Department of Labor cites Fort Pierce carpentry contractor after 19-year-old worker suffers fatal injuries in 25-foot fall
Union Carpentry LLC failed to ensure workers wore fall protection
PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL – A fall from elevation, the leading cause of death in the construction industry, has claimed another victim; this time a 19-year-old worker in Port Saint Lucie whose fatal injuries in January 2022– a federal workplace safety investigation has determined – could have been prevented if their employer used required fall protection.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that the employee of Union Carpentry LLC – a Fort Pierce carpentry contractor – was installing trusses and plywood sheathing on a residential development clubhouse when they fell about 25 feet onto a concrete floor. OSHA cited the contractor for one willful violation for failing to ensure employees wore fall protection while exposed to fall hazards, and one serious violation for failing to train workers on the correct use of fall arrest systems.
The agency has proposed $32,113 in penalties.