Modular Home Manufacturer Again Exposed Workers to Safety, Health Risks
OSHA has cited Cavco Industries Inc. with 38 violations since 2015.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Apr 09, 2024
Following an investigation conducted in October 2023, OSHA has cited Cavco Industries Inc.—parent company of Austin-based Palm Harbor Homes—with 25 serious and two other-than-serious violations, resulting in penalties totaling $272,479.
Since 2015, OSHA has cited Cavco—which specializes in modular home manufacturing—with 38 violations at facilities across four states. This latest inspection was part of the agency’s National Emphasis Program Site-Specific Targeting, focusing on establishments with high injury rates.
The cited safety violations include lack of fall protection, improper use of ladders, failure to maintain safe walking surfaces, overlooked overhead hazards, improperly inspected fire extinguishers, lack of welding screens, and failure to provide safe access to electrical shutoffs, among other violations.
Inspectors also noted more than a dozen health hazards, such as the absence of respiratory and hazard communication programs, inadequate provision of PPE and failure to assess silica exposure.
“The findings of our investigations and Cavco Industries’ history of violations suggest that the company is failing in its responsibility to keep work areas safe and healthful,” OSHA Area Director Monica Camacho in Austin said in a statement. “OSHA has specific standards for the manufacturing industry and provides many resources to inform employers and employees. There is no excuse for these kinds of failures that expose workers to serious and potentially fatal injuries.”
Based in Phoenix, Cavco Industries Inc. now has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference or contest OSHA’s findings before an independent commission.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.