In a disturbing development, a federal safety inspection revealed that GL Construction of Madison LLC, a contractor operating in suburban Madison, Wisconsin, has once again failed to protect its workers from fall hazards—one of the most life-threatening risks in the construction industry. During a February 2024 inspection, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) observed six employees working without the required fall protection at a residential construction site in Verona, at heights reaching up to 12 feet above the ground.
Persistent Safety Violations
Pattern of Non-Compliance
GL Construction’s troubling history of safety violations came to the forefront once more with recent OSHA citations. The company received citations for one willful, two repeat, and five serious violations, resulting in proposed penalties amounting to $144,505. These citations are not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing pattern of non-compliance. In April 2022, the company faced severe scrutiny when an employee tragically died after a wall weighing more than 1,000 pounds tipped over. That incident led to an extensive inspection and resulted in nine serious and two other-than-serious violations.
Despite the grave violations cited in the aftermath of the 2022 fatal incident, GL Construction has neither paid the federal penalties nor complied with settlement terms with OSHA. This blatant disregard for employee safety underscores a systemic issue within the company’s operational practices. The persistent nature of these infractions further highlights a disturbing trend in GL Construction’s management, which seems to prioritize expediency over the well-being of its workers.
OSHA’s Response
OSHA’s area director for the region, Chad Greenwood, emphasized the critical need for compliance with federal safety regulations. He pointed out that GL Construction’s repeated safety lapses show a dangerous pattern of negligence. OSHA’s stringent guidelines are designed to safeguard workers, yet the company’s history suggests a flagrant disregard for these rules. The broader implications of such non-compliance are grave, given the high-risk nature of the construction industry.
The importance of adhering to safety measures cannot be overstated, especially in light of statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported 1,069 construction worker fatalities in 2022, with 395 of those due to falls from elevation. These numbers underscore the life-and-death stakes involved and the crucial need for companies to implement and enforce stringent safety practices. OSHA’s robust resources, aimed at educating workers and preventing hazardous situations, are available in both English and Spanish.
Future Implications
The Steps Forward for GL Construction
GL Construction now faces a critical juncture, with 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings. This timeline is crucial for the company to show a genuine commitment to resolving these issues and securing the safety and well-being of its employees. Failure to act within this window could lead to more severe regulatory actions and further penalties, compounding the company’s existing challenges.
The company’s continued failure to adhere to federally mandated safety standards not only imperils its workforce but also tarnishes its reputation within the industry. It is imperative for GL Construction to reassess and rectify its safety protocols immediately. This is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance but a fundamental issue of workers’ rights and human safety. The long-term survival and success of any construction company depend heavily on its ability to maintain a safe working environment.
Broader Industry Impact
A troubling development has emerged as a federal safety inspection disclosed that GL Construction of Madison LLC, a contractor based in suburban Madison, Wisconsin, has once again neglected to safeguard its workers from fall hazards, which are among the most perilous risks in the construction field. In a February 2024 inspection, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) noticed six employees working without the mandatory fall protection at a residential construction site in Verona. The workers were exposed to the danger at heights reaching up to 12 feet above the ground. This violation is particularly alarming given that falls are one of the leading causes of death and serious injuries in the construction industry, and OSHA has stringent regulations requiring fall protection to mitigate such risks. The repeated negligence by GL Construction not only jeopardizes worker safety but also underscores a serious disregard for federal safety regulations designed to protect construction workers’ lives.
