Roofing contractor pays $117,175 penalty after 15-year-old’s fatal fall at Alabama work site
Roofing contractor pays $117175 penalty after 15-year-old's fatal fall at Alabama work site US Department of Labor
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CULLMAN, AL – Apex Roofing & Restoration LLC Violates Child Labor Laws Resulting in Fatality
Apex Roofing & Restoration LLC, a roofing contractor based in Pelham, has been fined $117,175 by the U.S. Department of Labor for employing a 15-year-old child in violation of federal child labor laws. This violation led to the tragic death of the child at a worksite in Cullman.
Background
On July 1, 2019, a teenager began working at the Cullman Casting Corporation building. Unfortunately, while working on the roof, the teenager fell approximately 50 feet to the floor below, sustaining severe injuries including fractures of the wrist, skull, and ribs. Tragically, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Child Labor Violation
The Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor found that Apex Roofing had illegally employed the teenager in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Specifically, the company violated a hazardous occupation order that prohibits workers under the age of 18 from engaging in dangerous jobs such as roofing or construction operations. Following an investigation that began in 2019, the agency imposed a civil money penalty of $117,175 through the child labor enhanced penalty program. This program aims to increase penalties for violations that result in the death or serious injury of workers under the age of 18.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in addressing issues related to child labor. SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, emphasizes the need to promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including children. By enforcing child labor laws and holding violators accountable, the Department of Labor contributes to the achievement of SDG 8.
“Apex Roofing risked the life of a child by employing him to work on a roof in violation of federal child labor laws, leaving relatives and friends to grieve an unnecessary and preventable tragedy,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “The Wage and Hour Division will continue using every tool at our disposal to combat illegal child labor and hold violators accountable.”
Enforcement Results
In fiscal year 2023, the Wage and Hour Division conducted over 950 investigations into child labor violations, resulting in penalties totaling more than $8 million assessed to employers.
Resources and Support
Workers and employers can seek confidential assistance from the division and communicate in over 200 languages. To learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including child labor regulations on dangerous jobs that are prohibited for workers under the age of 18, visit their official website. For information about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other laws enforced by the agency, individuals can contact the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
Additionally, the department offers a free Timesheet App for Android and iOS devices in both English and Spanish. This app helps workers and employers ensure accurate recording of hours worked and proper payment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The issue of employing a 15-year-old child in violation of child labor laws is connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issue of violating child labor laws and causing the death of a child worker is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor
This target is relevant as the article highlights the violation of child labor laws by employing a 15-year-old child in a hazardous occupation, resulting in the child’s death.
Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
This target is relevant as the article discusses the exploitation of a child worker in violation of child labor laws, leading to the child’s death.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, based on the content, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 8.7 by tracking the number of children engaged in child labor and monitoring their age and gender distribution.
Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation
This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.2 by monitoring the number of child victims of exploitation, including child labor, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor | Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: dol.gov
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