Mahomet, IL –  A federal safety agency has cited an Illinois construction contractor for repeatedly exposing workers to falls from elevation, the leading cause of death and injury in the construction industry.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted inspections at four residential construction sites in Mahomet and Savoy, Illinois, operated by Elmer Miller, doing business as Miller Building Systems LLC. Investigators observed workers performing framing work at heights exceeding 18 feet without proper fall protection systems. In some instances, workers attempted to use fall protection equipment but did not secure it correctly, rendering it ineffective.

"Federal regulations mandate fall protection for workers at heights exceeding six feet," stated OSHA Area Director Edward Marshall in Peoria, Illinois. "This equipment is crucial, and proper use, including secure attachment and tie-off, is essential to prevent life-threatening falls."

As a result of these violations, OSHA cited Miller with four willful violations for failing to provide adequate fall protection and proposed penalties totaling $354,912. The agency defines a willful violation as one committed with intentional disregard for, or plain indifference to, safety requirements.

This is not the first time Miller has faced repercussions for fall safety violations. Since 2019, OSHA has cited the company 17 times, including seven citations in 2023, all related to inadequate fall protection. Miller has contested the 2023 citations and awaits a hearing before an administrative law judge.

This incident highlights the ongoing need for construction companies to prioritize worker safety. Employers are legally obligated to provide proper fall protection systems and ensure workers understand how to use them correctly.