A Van Nuys-based landscaping company has been fined more than a quarter of a million dollars for 'deliberately and knowingly' failing to follow state heat protection rules. The company, Parkwood Landscape Maintenance, must pay $276,425 for failing to provide employees with access to water, shaded area and proper training on preventing heat-related illness, according to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA.
It is unacceptable for any business to blatantly ignore safety protocols, putting their employees at serious risk,' Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said in a news release from the agency. Parkwood Landscape will have the opportunity to appeal the citation. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cal/OSHA began its investigation in June after receiving a complaint about Parkwood Landscape employees working outdoors without access to water or heat illness training.