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OSHA Cites Salvation Army for Safety Violations After Fatal Fall

The exterior of the Salvation Army Donation Center, showcasing safety protocols in place.

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.