OSHA Cites Florida HVAC Contractor After Worker Fatality
Key Highlights
- A worker was fatally injured by pressurized HVAC piping during installation at the Bal Harbor Shops expansion project.
- OSHA cited Hyvac Inc. for failing to verify that piping was free of stored pressure and for inadequate worker training on hazard recognition.
- Struck-by hazards are a leading cause of fatalities on construction sites, underscoring the need for proper safety protocols.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Florida plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor after a worker suffered a fatal injury linked to a pressurized HVAC piping system.
According to the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the incident occurred Aug. 28, 2025, at the Bal Harbor Shops mall expansion project. A pipefitter employed by Hyvac Inc. was installing a new air-conditioning system when the worker was fatally injured by a pressurized HVAC piping system.
Investigators determined the employer exposed workers to struck-by hazards related to the piping system. The agency cited Hyvac Inc. for two serious violations.
The violations allege the company failed to verify that piping was free from stored pressure before employees performed work and did not 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 receiving the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The agency noted penalties and citations may be adjusted during the case process.
Struck-by objects are one of OSHA’s construction “Focus Four” hazards and remain among the leading causes of fatalities on construction sites. OSHA encourages employers to use its compliance assistance resources and training programs to help identify hazards and meet federal safety standards.
Note: This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.