The collapse of an unapproved retaining wall in Poughkeepsie, New York killed one worker and injured another – and resulted in more than a quarter of a million dollars in fines for a construction company.

In the wake of the August 2017 incident, OSHA cited Onekey LLC, for exposing employees to crushing hazards, for failing to train employees to keep a safe distance from the wall and soil pile, and for failing to provide proper fall protection.

OSHA’s investigation determined that the concrete block retaining wall that collapsed was not designed or approved by a registered engineer. The incident claimed the life of an employee of New Generations Masonry, a Connecticut-based subcontractor, and injured another employee.

The New Jersey-based Onekey faces $281,583 in proposed penalties.

“This incident should have been prevented,” said OSHA Albany Area Office Director Robert Garvey. “Establishing and maintaining effective construction safeguards, and providing adequate employee training are crucial to protecting employees from serious or fatal injuries.”