OSHA Fines Sonny Steel Erectors for Continued Fall Protection Violations

The Houston-based company faces proposed penalties of $266,416.

OSHA has announced a new set of violations for Sonny Steel Erectors Inc. following a recent investigation.

In a release dated August 2, the agency announced it proposed $266,416 in fines to the Houston-based company, which specializes in commercial structural steel erection. That amount encompasses one serious violation, one willful violation and one repeat violation identified during a February 2023 visit. All three are tied to improper fall protection measures.

“Sonny Steel Erectors seems unwilling to end its long and troubling history of putting its employees at risk of serious injury or worse,” OSHA Area Director Mhekeba Hager in Houston said in a statement. “Our latest inspection found the company failed to correct hazards associated with violations dating back to 2011. We will not allow this company to continue its willful disobedience of the law.”

Sonny Steel Erectors previously faced OSHA fines as recently as October 2022. In that instance, the company was fined for not attaching a body belt or lanyard to the boom or basket while employees worked from an aerial lift. Sonny Steel Erectors now has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest OSHA’s latest findings.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. Read More

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

Featured