Federal inspectors have issued citations to 595 Construction LLC, a contractor based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, for eight safety violations. These citations followed observations of the company's employees working without necessary fall protection on three occasions at residential sites in Elburn during May 2024.

Falls from heights are a significant cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction sector. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) frequently cites these types of violations. In this instance, OSHA inspectors noted the absence of required safety equipment on workers framing structures in an Elburn neighborhood. On May 10, they documented violations at two locations: 1501 Collins Drive and 264 Davidson Drive. Further inspections on May 31 revealed similar issues at another site at 207 Davidson Drive.

The company was cited for several infractions, including allowing work without fall protection at heights over six feet and failing to certify that workers were trained to recognize and prevent falls. Additional violations included unsafe ladder use, lack of certification for operating powered industrial vehicles, and using damaged slings for hoisting materials.

In total, OSHA proposed penalties amounting to $287,465 against 595 Construction for one willful violation along with four repeat and three serious violations. This is not the first time the company has faced such issues; it received similar citations in both 2022 and 2023.

Jacob Scott, OSHA Area Director in Naperville, Illinois stated: “After OSHA opens an investigation at one worksite, we often find the same contractor has done nothing to correct similar hazards at its other sites and not bothered to make certain to train work crews on complying with federal safety protections.” He further commented on the company's "chronic disregard for safe work operations" which endangers employee well-being.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' report from 2022, there were 1,069 construction worker fatalities with falls accounting for 395 deaths. Scott emphasized: “Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths for construction workers. There is no excuse for 595 Construction failing to take immediate corrective action.”

OSHA provides resources through its stop falls website offering safety information and educational materials in English and Spanish about fall hazards. They also offer compliance assistance resources specifically aimed at protecting roofing workers and developing comprehensive safety programs.