News Summary
The Salvation Army has been cited by OSHA following a tragic incident where a maintenance worker fell through a skylight, resulting in a fatality. An investigation revealed multiple safety violations, including a lack of fall protection training and failure to report the incident timely. The organization now faces significant penalties, highlighting ongoing concerns about workplace safety practices within the nonprofit sector.
Orlando, Florida – OSHA Cites Salvation Army for Safety Violations Following Fatal Fall
The Salvation Army has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for multiple safety violations after a tragic incident involving the fatal fall of a 54-year-old maintenance worker. The worker fell through a skylight while attempting to repair a roof leak at the Salvation Army’s donation center located on West Colonial Drive on November 7, 2024. The fall resulted in fatal head trauma after the worker landed on the concrete floor of the facility. OSHA’s investigation revealed a total of five violations of workplace health and safety regulations.
Details of the Violations
Among the specific violations identified by OSHA were the following:
- Failure to assess workplace hazards.
- Failure to provide fall protection training to employees.
- Failure to report the workplace death to OSHA within the required eight-hour window.
- Lack of a hazard communication program.
As a result of these findings, the Salvation Army now faces significant penalties totaling $120,817 related to these violations. In response to the worker’s death, the organization expressed deep sorrow and reiterated its commitment to ensuring employee safety and compliance with OSHA regulations.
OSHA’s Staffing Challenges
Florida does not have its own agency for workplace safety, relying solely on OSHA for inspections and enforcement of safety protocols. This reliance has taken a toll on OSHA’s operations, which is currently facing severe understaffing. Nationwide, there is approximately one OSHA inspector for every 84,937 workers, significantly limiting the frequency of workplace inspections. In fact, based on the current staffing levels, workplaces in the U.S. can expect to be inspected only once every 185 years.
Workplace Safety Statistics
Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the United States, along with transportation-related accidents. In 2023, there were a total of 5,283 workplace fatalities reported across various industries. The occurrence at the Salvation Army donation center is a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers, particularly those in maintenance roles.
History of Violations
This is not the first time the Salvation Army has faced safety violations. In 2020, the organization was previously cited for fall protection issues at another facility in Princeton, West Virginia. These recurring violations highlight ongoing concerns regarding safety practices within the nonprofit organization.
Salvation Army’s Community Impact
The Salvation Army serves approximately 30 million individuals across the United States annually, providing various services to help those in need. However, this tragedy has raised immediate questions regarding the safety protocols in place to protect its employees as they serve the community.
Conclusion
The recent incident at the Salvation Army’s Orlando facility sheds light on the critical need for comprehensive safety measures within the workplace. As OSHA continues its investigation and issues penalties, it reinforces the importance of ongoing training, hazard assessments, and adherence to safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- OH&S Online
- Orlando Weekly
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- EPO Online
- Wikipedia: Salvation Army
- Google Search: OSHA workplace safety
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
