Patio and pool maker cited following worker fatality

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it has cited a patio and pool enclosure manufacturer and installer for failing to protect employees from fall hazards, with penalties total $40,096.

OSHA investigated Naples, Florida-based L.I. Aluminum Design Inc. last August after an employee installing patio screen enclosures suffered a fatal fall. L.I. Aluminum was issued four serious citations for “failing to provide fall protection to employees working at heights of 10 feet or more, exposing employees to falls and failing to train employees on fall hazards and the proper use of ladders,” OSHA said in a statement.

“This tragedy could have been avoided if the employer had ensured that workers were adequately trained and wearing appropriate fall safety equipment. Falls are preventable if required safety measures are implemented,” Condell Eastmond, OSHA office director for the Fort Lauderdale Area, said in a statement.

L.I. Aluminum could not be immediately reached for comment.