Region 4 News Release: 10-672-ATL (305)
May 24, 2010
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Email: D'Aquino.Michael@dol.gov Wald.Michael@dol.gov
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Miami, Fla., road construction
company with willful safety violation, $63,000 in penalties

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ¿ The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing $63,000 in penalties against The De Moya Group Inc. in Miami, Fla., for a willful safety violation.

The company violated OSHA standards when it posted a reduced speed limit sign for a lane closure but failed to remove or cover the existing speed limit sign on Interstate 75. The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

"Although management knew the existing sign needed to be removed or covered, they chose to ignore the requirement and put their employees in danger," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "This type of blatant disregard for the safety and health of workers is unacceptable."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citation and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the finding before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office, 1000 South Pine Island Road, Suite 100; telephone 954-424-0242.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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