Federal Investigators Cite Contractor Over Deadly Boise Airport Hangar Collapse

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has finished its investigation into the collapse of an aircraft hangar at the Boise airport that killed three workers. As of July 29, 2024, the agency has laid much of the blame on the building contractor, Big D Builders Inc.

Investigators said the company showed an "appalling disregard of safety standards." According to OSHA, Big D Builders started putting up the hangar without enough bracing or tensioned wires. The agency also said crews carried on despite numerous signs that the structure was unstable, including a visible curve in the framework.

OSHA Area Director David Kearns, speaking from Boise, said the contractor's conduct had severe consequences. "Big D Builders' blatant disregard for federal safety regulations cost three workers their lives and caused at least eight others to suffer painful injuries," he said. He added that the company's "irresponsible construction methods left the aircraft hangar's structure extremely vulnerable."

The investigation turned up further problems. OSHA found that the company did not properly train workers to build steel spans, and that it allowed cranes and other construction equipment to operate in mud and standing water.

Kearns said the deaths and injuries could have been avoided. "The tragic loss and pain suffered by so many is compounded by the fact that Big D Builders could have prevented all of this from happening," he said. He noted that the agency cannot put a value on a lost life, but promised to use all its resources to hold employers accountable when they willfully ignore safety rules. He urged other employers to keep in mind the risks of disregarding federal OSHA and industry standards.

OSHA cited Big D Builders for one willful violation and three serious violations of federal safety regulations, and proposed penalties totaling $198,586. The agency also cited Inland Crane Inc. for exposing workers to collapse hazards because it failed to ensure stability.

Both companies are named in a lawsuit recently announced by attorney Enrique Serna, who represents the families of two of the victims. Speck Steel and Steel Building Systems are also listed as defendants in that suit, although neither appeared in the OSHA report.

Each company has 15 business days to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Idaho News 6 contacted Big D Builders, which had no comment on the report or its findings. Inland Crane issued a statement saying OSHA had informed it that the investigation confirmed the company's initial assessment that neither its employees nor its equipment were responsible for the collapse. The company also extended its deepest condolences to everyone affected. The statement does not address the serious violation citation Inland Crane now faces from OSHA.