The U.S. Department of Labor announced on March 4 that it has cited a Florida plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor for exposing workers to struck-by hazards following a worker fatality at a Bal Harbor Shops construction site in August 2025.
According to the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, on August 28, 2025, a Hyvac Inc. pipefitter installing a new air-conditioning system for a mall expansion project was fatally injured by a pressurized HVAC piping system. The employer received two serious violations: one for not verifying that piping was free from stored pressure before employees performed work, and another for failing to train workers to recognize and avoid hazards associated with removing HVAC end caps on pressurized piping systems. OSHA proposed $28,135 in penalties.
Hyvac Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the case process. The department advised checking the OSHA establishment search page periodically for updates regarding inspection or penalty status.
Struck-by objects are among OSHA’s construction "Focus Four" hazards responsible for many construction-related deaths. Employers are encouraged to contact OSHA for compliance assistance resources and free help in meeting safety standards.
On August 24, 2022, the Department of Labor announced $3.4 million Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants administered by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona has been awarded $542,358 through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, according to the Department of Labor.
Further details about this case can be found as listed on the organization's website.
