Constructor Fined $20,000 for Collapse of Construction Project

A property owner hired a constructor to build a large storage barn. The partially-built, wood-framed barn collapsed due to wind load. At the time, the four walls and the barn’s roof had been erected on top of the structure’s concrete foundation. But none of the walls had been braced to prevent their movement or collapse, and the anchor bolts connecting the walls to the foundation hadn’t been secured. In addition, the constructor failed to file a Notice of Project relating to the construction of the storage barn and failed to notify the MOL in writing within two days of the structural failure of the storage barn. And the constructor failed to furnish all necessary assistance to facilitate an investigation by an MOL inspector. As a result, the court fined the constructor $20,000 [Tom Ivezic, Govt. News Release, Feb. 13, 2017].