The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued multiple citations for safety violations to a South Dakota contractor after a building collapse that killed a worker.
The incident occurred in December 2016 when Hultgren Construction directed crews to remove two load-bearing walls. That action led to the collapse of the Copper Lounge building.
Hultgren did not instruct workers on how to set up appropriate temporary supports, OSHA alleges. The agency also says that Hultgren did not conduct an engineering survey prior to demolition.
Last month OSHA issued multiple violations and about $214,000 in fines to Hultgren and labor staffing company Command Center for failing to properly train workers in safety procedures and not providing adequate personal protective equipment. In early May, the agency added two more “willful” citations, and added $101,400 more in fines to the penalty.
Related Stories
| Feb 7, 2014
Ohio legislature moves to bar LEED standards on state projects
The use of LEED standards is being barred for public construction in Ohio under a state senate resolution.
| Jan 31, 2014
Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing releases solar panel racking criteria for asphalt shingle roof systems
The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing’s PV Taskforce is releasing the first public draft of PV Racking and Attachment Criteria for Effective Asphalt Shingle Roof System Integration for an initial round of public comment.
| Jan 31, 2014
Developers are exceeding LEED standards for marketing purposes
Using LEED certification as a marketing tool is perceived by developers to be a successful tool, and this has pushed them to go above the minimum requirements at each level of certification, according to a study in the Environmental Science & Technology journal.
| Jan 31, 2014
OSHA extends feedback period for disclosure of workplace injuries proposal
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it would extend the comment period for a proposal that would require employers to submit electronic reports of workplace injuries and illnesses.
| Jan 31, 2014
DOE releases new efficiency standards for halide lamps
The Energy Department has finalized new energy efficiency standards for metal halide lamp fixtures, which are used in lighting for big box stores and parking lots.
| Jan 31, 2014
New LEED online platform now available for LEED v4 projects
LEED v4 projects will be the first to experience the new LEED Online platform with streamlined documentation and processes.
| Jan 26, 2014
New York extends, enhances tax abatements to promote green roofs
The expansion of a tax-abatement program for green roofs under New York state law doubles the previous maximum benefit of $100,000, adds new plant species to the list of those applicable for the tax break.
| Jan 23, 2014
Washington state micro apartment law prompts fire safety concerns
Proposed legislation to further regulate the building of micro apartments has triggered appeals from community activists concerned that fire safety standards are sub-par.
| Jan 23, 2014
Pennsylvania owes school districts $1B for construction projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Education owes about $1 billion to numerous school districts for about 350 state-approved renovation and construction projects.
| Jan 23, 2014
About 1,500 concrete buildings in Los Angeles found vulnerable to earthquakes
Some 1,500 concrete structures built in Los Angeles before 1980 could be vulnerable to earthquakes, according to University of California researchers.
