Highway Contractor Fined $63K for 'Willful' Speed Limit Sign Lapse
OSHA is proposing $63,000 in penalties against The De Moya Group Inc., a Miami-based road and bridge construction company, for a willful safety violation.
According to the agency, 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, Fla. "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.