Sunpro Solar Owner Cited Again for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards after Naples, Florida Work Site Investigation
Marc Jones Construction LLC put workers at risk in Texas in 2020 and 2021.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Nov 16, 2021
One of the nation’s leading residential solar panel installation contractors has again violated federal workplace safety requirements at a Naples, Florida work site. Despite being cited twice in two years the company continued to expose workers to dangerous fall hazards. After the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA investigation, the agency cited Marc Jones Construction LLC – operating as Sunpro Solar – for a repeat violation after inspectors found workers exposed to falls. This is the leading cause of death and serious injuries for those working in the construction industry.
According to a press release, in addition, the agency cited the company for allowing workers to climb up and down extension ladders while carrying loads that could have caused them to fall and failing to provide fall protection training to employees. OSHA cited the Louisiana-based company for similar violations twice in Texas, in San Antonio in January 2021 and in El Paso in April 2020. OSHA proposed $160,913 in penalties for the violations.
“Marc Jones Construction has ignored the law repeatedly and failed to protect their workers from well-known fall hazards,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “OSHA will continue holding this company accountable until they start meeting their obligations and complying with OSHA standards.”
Based in Mandeville, Louisiana, Marc Jones Construction LLC is a commercial and residential solar panel installation company operating in 21 states. In 2008, the company founded Sunpro Solar. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent OSHRC.
OSHA provides useful information on protecting roofing workers and the required use of fall protection in construction.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.