OSHA Fines Breland Homes for Trenching Hazards Following Fatal Incident
OSHA, on April 16, cited Breland Homes Inc, a Huntsville-based home builder that was acquired by Lennar Homes in 2022, with eight serious safety violations after an investigation into a worker's fatality in December 2025 found the employer exposed construction workers to multiple safety hazards during groundwork prep.
Investigators learned that workers for Breland Homes Inc. were installing a sewage drainpipe in a Madison County subdivision when a trench collapsed on a construction laborer.
OSHA concluded that Breland Homes had allowed the decedent to work in an unprotected and unsupported section of the trench.
In addition, OSHA found multiple safety violations, including failure to train workers to recognize unsafe conditions in trenching, allowing workers to conduct duties without protective helmets, and permitting employees to conduct work with a damaged ladder.
OSHA cited Breland Homes Inc. with eight serious violations and proposed $115,855 in penalties.
OSHA's trenching and excavation webpage includes information on standard requirements, hazard recognition, and controlling safety hazards.
Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.