OSHA Cites Florida Contractor for Struck-By Hazards After Fatality

DOL News Releases

Filed March 4th, 2026

Detected March 5th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Hyvac Inc., a Florida contractor, for exposing workers to struck-by hazards following a fatal incident in August 2025. The agency proposed $28,135 in penalties for two serious violations related to pressurized piping systems.

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What changed

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed $28,135 in penalties to Hyvac Inc., a Florida-based plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor. The citations stem from a fatal incident on August 28, 2025, where an employee was killed by a pressurized HVAC piping system. OSHA found the employer exposed workers to struck-by hazards by failing to verify the piping was free of stored pressure before work and by not adequately training employees on the hazards associated with removing end caps on pressurized systems.

Hyvac Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This enforcement action highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols for pressurized systems in construction and HVAC work. Employers are reminded of the potential for significant penalties and the need for robust training to prevent similar incidents.

What to do next

Review internal safety procedures for handling pressurized piping systems.
Ensure all employees working on HVAC systems receive adequate training on recognizing and mitigating struck-by hazards, including those related to stored pressure and end cap removal.
Verify compliance with OSHA standards regarding hazard verification and employee training for all relevant projects.

Penalties

$28,135 in proposed penalties

Source document (simplified)

News Release

US Department of Labor cites Florida air conditioning contractor for exposing workers to struck-by hazards after worker fatality

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Florida plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor for exposing workers to struck-by hazards after an employee suffered a fatal injury at a Bal Harbor Shops worksite in August 2025.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that on Aug. 28, 2025, a Hyvac Inc. pipefitter installing a new air-conditioning system for a mall expansion construction project was fatally injured from a pressurized HVAC piping system.

The employer was cited with two serious violations for exposing workers to struck-by hazards by not verifying piping was free from stored pressure before employees performed work on the system and did not train workers to recognize and avoid hazards associated with removing HVAC end caps on pressurized pipping 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 course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Struck-by objects, part of OSHA’s construction “Focus Four,” are among the top four hazards causing many construction-related deaths. Employers may contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

Learn more about OSHA.

Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date March 4, 2026 Release Number 26-183-ATL Media Contact: Erika Ruthman Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov Media Contact: Eric R. Lucero Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email lucero.eric.r@dol.gov Media Contact: Juan Rodriguez Phone Number 972-850-4709 Email rodriguez.juan@dol.gov Share This
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