Washington Roofing Companies Face Over $1 Million in Fines for Repeated Safety Violations
The companies repeatedly failed to ensure worker safety, leading to severe penalties.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 12, 2024
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)—as part of an ongoing effort to address the prominence of fatal falls in the construction industry—has fined four roofing companies a total of $1.27 million for multiple safety violations, including failure to provide adequate fall protection for their workers.
“Not only did these companies knowingly put their workers at risk, they’ve all been caught breaking the same rules before,” Craig Blackwood, assistant director of L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said in a statement.
Among the companies fined, Allways Roofing Inc. received the largest penalty.
On June 24, 2024, L&I cited Allways Roofing for $345,700 after inspectors found workers not using proper fall protection while re-roofing a home in Mill Creek. This fine comes just three months after a nearly half-million-dollar penalty for similar violations in Snohomish, Washington. Over the past 12 years, Allways Roofing has amassed 124 safety violations and currently owes more than $4 million in fines. The company has 15 business days to appeal the latest citation.
SSHI LLC, operating as DR Horton in Port Orchard, was fined $132,000 on June 20, 2024, for not ensuring its subcontractors used fall protection or wore safety glasses while operating pneumatic tools. This company has been inspected 14 times in the past three years, resulting in repeat and serious violations. DR Horton has not appealed the latest fines.
Pulte Homes of Washington Inc. faced a $99,000 fine on April 23, 2024, for failing to ensure fall protection on a steep-pitched roof in Washougal. This company has been cited for repeat serious violations in the past three years and is appealing the latest penalties.
Valentine Roofing of Burien was fined $207,000 on March 29 for six willful serious violations. Inspectors noted that safety lines were too long, potentially allowing a fall to the ground before the arrest system could engage. Valentine Roofing has appealed the latest citation.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.