OSHA issues more than $40,000 in fines after fatal St. Marys building collapse investigation

ST. MARYS, Ohio — Federal workplace safety officials have issued three serious safety citations totaling $41,706 following a four-month investigation into a deadly building collapse in St. Marys that killed one worker and injured another.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the citations on Nov. 13 to Todd Klosterman, who does business as Pro Fit HVAC LLC, in connection with the July 31 collapse of a building at 305 E. Spring St. in St. Marys.

According to OSHA, the violations stem from unsafe conditions and inadequate safety procedures during preparatory work ahead of a planned structural remodel. The collapse killed Christopher R. Brown of St. Marys and injured coworker Kevin Sharp, who were surveying the property at the time.

OSHA cited Klosterman for three “serious” violations, each carrying a proposed penalty of $13,902. The violations involved failures related to preparatory operations, general safety and health requirements, and employee safety training and education.

Federal inspectors said the employer did not establish or maintain an accident-prevention program that included regular jobsite inspections by a competent person. OSHA also alleged that employees were not properly trained to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions related to demolition, temporary shoring and excavation work.

According to the citations, workers were exposed to struck-by and crushing hazards while removing a section of the south wall, installing temporary shoring and excavating the foundation. OSHA further stated that no engineering survey was conducted by a qualified person to evaluate the condition of floors, walls or the potential for unplanned collapse before demolition work began.

The agency reported that employees were not instructed on proper methods for installing temporary shoring systems, monitoring structural stability during demolition, or identifying hazards associated with weakened walls or floors. One worker was fatally crushed when part of the building’s west exterior wall collapsed, while another suffered fracture injuries.

Klosterman had 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation remains ongoing.

OSHA records indicate the citations represent Pro Fit HVAC’s fourth violation in 2025 and seventh overall. The company previously received a serious citation earlier this year related to a separate incident in New Knoxville, which was later resolved through an informal settlement.