For the eighth time since 2020, federal workplace safety inspectors have cited a Lake Zurich, Illinois roofing contractor for exposing workers to falls from elevation, the leading cause of fatal and serious injuries among people employed in the construction industry.
Inspectors with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed employees of Fino Exterior Inc. working atop residential structures without legally required fall protection equipment on four occasions in 2024, in Palatine on Feb. 6, Orland Park on June 12, Palos Heights on Aug. 16 and Shorewood on Oct. 16. Fino Exterior’s troubling history of ignoring federal safety regulations continued as OSHA cited the company for 13 safety violations in three inspections in four months and proposed $262,631 in penalties.
In addition to a lack of fall protection, OSHA cited Fino Exterior for the following violations:
- Permitting employees to work near energized power lines.
- Not providing employees with required hard hats.
- Failing to train workers in fall protection hazards and prevention.
- Lack of eye protection for workers operating pneumatic nail guns.
- Improper use of ladders.
The 2024 infractions continue a series of similar citations issued after six inspections since 2020 and two others issued under a previous operating name, Arellano Roofing Corp. Fino Exteriors Inc. is currently liable for $65,115 in unpaid OSHA penalties.
This article was first published in Insurance Journal.
