OSHA compliance officers who happened to be in the area noticed residential construction workers falls from heights up to 14 feet. The inspection resulting from that observation found even more safety violations by Transformers Construction Services Inc. and Buildtronix LLC – both owned by Leanna Richardson.

"Following our seventh inspection in three years, Ms. Richardson dissolved Transformers Construction and registered two new companies, Buildtronix LLC and Innobuilders LLC, but continues not to follow OSHA regulations," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "This practice doesn't change the employer's obligation to ensure all employees return home at the end of their work day."

In addition to failing to protect workers from falls, the most recent citations were for allowing workers to use pneumatic nail guns without eye protection, failing to ensure an extension ladder extended 3 feet above the landing surface and allowing employees to stand on the top step of a stepladder while installing roof trusses.

The inspections were initiated as part of the agency's Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction.

OSHA has proposed the employer be placed in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. Under the program, OSHA may inspect any of the employer's facilities or job sites.

Proposed penalties: $153,090