A subsidiary of Cavco Industries Inc., Palm Harbor Homes, based in Austin, Texas, faces $272,479 in fines and penalties from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after investigators found that the company exposed employees to more than 2 dozen safety violations. Cavco is one of the largest producers of modular and manufactured homes in the United States. It is based in Phoenix, Arizona and according to its website, calls itself a “strong company that prides itself on crafting the highest quality homes in the industry.”
OSHA violations
OSHA charged Palm Harbor Homes with multiple hazardous conditions, including:
- Lack of fall protection
- Failure to maintain safe walking surfaces
- Improper use of ladders
- Improperly inspected fire extinguishers
- No welding screens
- No access to electrical shutoffs
Cavco Industries was also cited for over 10 health hazards, including not providing employees with personal protective equipment, such as an eyewash and shower station. The company has also failed to maintain a respiratory communication program and failed to assess silica exposure. Since 2015, Cavco has been cited for almost 40 health and safety violations at its facilities in 4 states. One report shows that Cavco and its subsidiaries have been penalized $719,721 since 2000.
“The findings of our investigations and Cavco Industries’ history of violations suggest that the company is failing in its responsibility to keep work areas safe and healthful,” explained OSHA Area Director Monica Camacho.
The OSHA inspection was art of a planned inspection under the National Emphasis Program targeting facilities with high injury rates. Cavco and Palm Harbor have 15 business days to respond to the citations. They can comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before an independent OSHA Commission.
Cavco employes over 7,000 employees across its distribution points in 43 states and Canada. About 200 of those employees are based in Austin, Texas.
