As construction owners, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations is crucial for both the safety of your workers and the financial health of your business. The third quarter of 2024 saw several major OSHA violations that should serve as cautionary tales for the industry. From unprotected trench collapses to insufficient fall protection, these violations led to significant fines that could impact any business.

Here are some of the largest fines and the lessons that construction owners can take away from them:

Hangar Collapse Incident: Big D Builders

One of the highest-profile cases was Big D Builders, fined $198,586 after an airplane hangar collapse in Idaho killed three workers. OSHA found that inadequate bracing, ignored warnings of structural instability, and failure to train workers led to the disaster.

Takeaway for Owners: Ignoring early signs of structural issues and rushing work without proper safeguards can result in catastrophe. Prioritize thorough inspections and worker training to identify and address safety concerns early.

Trench Collapse at Sound Construction Inc.

Connecticut-based Sound Construction Inc. was hit with $394,083 in fines after a trench collapse in December 2023 led to a worker’s death. OSHA cited the company for failing to provide proper trench protection and training.

Takeaway for Owners: Trenches present a high-risk environment. Ensure all employees are trained on trench safety and provide proper cave-in protection on all sites. Trench safety violations remain one of OSHA's top enforcement areas.

Worker Falls at U.S. Tank Painting Inc.

New Jersey-based U.S. Tank Painting faces $485,580 in fines after an employee fell 80 feet while working on a water tower. The company failed to provide adequate fall protection and proper training, exposing workers to multiple hazards.

Takeaway for Owners: Fall protection is critical, especially when working at heights. Fall-related incidents are among the leading causes of fatalities in construction, making it essential to enforce strict use of fall protection equipment.

Boston Waterproofing & Construction Corp.’s Excavation Hazards

Boston Waterproofing & Construction Corp. was fined $451,694 after repeated violations at two sites. The company allegedly forced untrained workers into unprotected excavations, resulting in worker injuries.

Takeaway for Owners: Excavation work requires strict adherence to OSHA safety regulations. As an owner, you should never compromise on the safety of your workers, even under tight project timelines.

Unpaid Fines and Repeat Violations: GL Construction

GL Construction, a Wisconsin-based framing contractor, faces $144,505 in proposed penalties after OSHA found repeated safety violations. The company had multiple prior offenses and failed to pay previous fines.

Takeaway for Owners: Repeated violations not only increase fines but also damage your company’s reputation. Building a culture of safety can prevent these ongoing issues and reduce future liabilities.

Unprotected Heights at KW Framing Inc.

Chicago-based KW Framing faces $317,644 in fines after workers were repeatedly observed working at heights up to 30 feet without fall protection. OSHA had previously cited the company for similar violations.

Takeaway for Owners: When OSHA cites your company, it’s important to not only fix the issues but implement preventative measures to avoid future citations. Repeat offenses show a lack of commitment to worker safety and carry higher fines.

Framing Safety Issues at Carpenter Contractors of America Inc.

OSHA fined this Florida-based framing contractor $161,323 after inspectors observed workers on a roof without proper fall protection. This is the second major citation for the company in five years.

Takeaway for Owners: If your company has been cited before, don't take it lightly. Address the root cause of safety violations and create a long-term strategy for compliance.

Trench Collapse at CMD Endeavors Inc.

El Paso-based CMD Endeavors was fined $260,848 after a trench collapse resulted in an employee death. The company settled for $180,000 after failing to provide proper trench protections.

Takeaway for Owners: Trench safety should never be compromised. Proper planning and adherence to OSHA standards could prevent such tragedies and the resulting fines.

Dromin Development LLC’s Repeated Violations

Dromin Development, a Chicago-area contractor, faces $268,309 in fines for repeatedly failing to provide fall protection and safety training. The company has a history of non-compliance with OSHA regulations.

Takeaway for Owners: Consistent violations attract higher fines and damage your business's reputation. Invest in ongoing safety training and equipment to avoid costly repeat offenses.

Key Insights for Construction Owners

• Employee Safety First: It’s vital to not only follow OSHA’s regulations but also create a culture where safety is embedded in every aspect of your operations. This will not only protect your workers but also prevent costly violations and fines.
• Training is Non-Negotiable: Many of the violations above stem from a lack of proper training. Ensure that all workers, especially those working in high-risk areas, are trained on the latest safety protocols.
• Don't Ignore Citations: Repeat offenses carry higher fines. Once cited, it's essential to make the necessary changes to avoid future violations. OSHA closely monitors companies with previous infractions.
• Legal and Financial Ramifications: Contesting OSHA fines can be costly and time-consuming. Addressing safety proactively can save your company from litigation, fines, and potential project delays.

By focusing on compliance and safety, construction owners can avoid the pitfalls that lead to these massive fines and ensure their projects are successful, on time, and, most importantly, safe.

Learn more about OSHA’s proposed heat safety standard and the upcoming December comment deadline here.