Florida Contractor Cited After Fatal HVAC Pipe Explosion
An OSHA investigation into a Bal Harbor Shops worksite fatality resulted in two serious violations and $28,135 in proposed penalties for Hyvac Inc.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Mar 05, 2026
Federal investigators found a Florida HVAC contractor exposed employees to struck-by hazards following a fatal incident at a mall expansion project in August 2025.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that a pipefitter for Hyvac Inc. was killed by a pressurized piping system while installing air conditioning. According to investigators, the company failed to verify that the piping was free from stored pressure before employees began work.
The agency also cited the employer for failing to train workers to recognize and avoid hazards associated with removing end caps on pressurized systems. Struck-by injuries remain one of the OSHA Focus Four hazards, which are the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry.
Hyvac Inc. has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers can access compliance assistance resources for help meeting federal standards.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.