Federal Safety Inspectors Find Sun Prairie Contractor Again Failing to Protect Workers from Deadly Hazards

For the fourth consecutive year, a Madison-based contractor has been found to be violating federal safety regulations, putting its employees at risk of serious injury or death. GL Construction of Madison LLC, a Sun Prairie company, was cited for multiple safety violations after a federal inspection in February 2024 found workers exposed to falls from elevation without proper protective equipment.

The inspection, initiated under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) National Emphasis Program for Falls, found six employees of GL Construction working at heights up to 12 feet off the ground without required safety gear. This is not the first time the company has been found to be in violation of safety regulations. In 2022, an employee suffered a fatal injury while working for the company, and OSHA cited GL Construction for multiple safety violations.

The latest citations include one willful, two repeat, and five serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $144,505. This is the fourth consecutive year that GL Construction has been found to be in violation of federal safety regulations. The company has failed to pay related federal penalties, provide abatement information, or comply with the terms of a settlement agreement with OSHA.

“This company has repeatedly exposed its employees to potentially fatal injuries and shows a blatant disregard for their safety and well-being,” said OSHA Area Director Chad Greenwood. “Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of their workers, and GL Construction has failed to meet that responsibility.”

The construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, with falls from elevation being one of the leading causes of worker fatalities. In 2022, 395 construction workers died on the job due to falls from elevation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

OSHA is urging GL Construction to immediately bring its workplace safety program into compliance with federal regulations. The company has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.