In a ceremony both celebratory and symbolic, RNGD contractors placed the final steel beam atop the Lewter District development on Tuesday, marking a key milestone in one of Huntsville’s most anticipated mixed-use projects. But as the beam was raised into the spring sky, the moment also underscored the broader conversation unfolding at the national level—about workplace safety, regulatory oversight, and the economic cost of cutting corners.

The Lewter District, a 1.5-acre revitalization in downtown Huntsville, promises to transform the historic Lewter Hardware Store site into a luxury mixed-use hub. The development includes 14 high-end townhomes, a Class-A office building, and a destination restaurant set in the restored historic structure—all designed to serve a fast-growing population. At the helm of the construction effort is RNGD, a New Orleans-based contractor with a strong reputation for speed, scale, and safety. The firm, which reported $262 million in revenue in 2023 and earned a spot on the ENR Top 400 Contractors list, achieved a rare industry benchmark this year: zero recordable safety incidents. That statistic alone is impressive. But in light of recent developments in Washington, D.C., it takes on new urgency.

Safety Standards Under Threat

On January 3, 2025, House Bill 86—dubbed the Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NOSHA) Act—was introduced in Congress. If passed, the bill would abolish OSHA, the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards since 1970. The potential implications are sweeping. According to the National Safety Council, work-related injuries and fatalities cost the U.S. economy $171 billion in 2019 alone. A 2021 Workplace Safety Index estimated that employers pay over $1 billion per week in direct workers’ compensation costs for disabling injuries. These are not abstract figures—they represent human lives, operational downtime, and strained healthcare systems.

In Alabama, the risks are far from hypothetical. According to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama recorded 75 fatal work injuries in 2023. Incidents involving workers being struck by falling objects accounted for 21 of those fatalities. Falls to a lower level and exposure to harmful substances were also notable contributors to the fatality count. This local spike highlights the real-world consequences of weakened safety oversight—and offers a stark counterpoint to legislative efforts aimed at dismantling OSHA.

RNGD’s Proactive Approach

For RNGD, safety isn’t just a regulatory obligation—it’s a strategic advantage. With a reported EMR (Experience Modification Rate) of just 0.64—well below the industry average—RNGD boasts a rigorous safety culture. The firm has logged over one-million safe man-hours and holds the prestigious STEP Diamond safety certification, placing it 645% safer than the industry norm.

“Our culture is built around protecting one another,” said RNGD Culture Leader Kristal Droddy, “Getting the job done is expected, but never more important than preserving the lives and health of fellow team members.”

For the City of Huntsville, developments like the Lewter District are more than real estate—they’re economic signals. As Alabama’s most economically vibrant city, Huntsville is increasingly recognized for its high quality of life, upward mobility, and engineering-driven workforce.

The Bottom Line

As lawmakers debate the future of OSHA, the Lewter District stands as a timely case study in what responsible development can look like. RNGD’s approach demonstrates that safety is not a barrier to economic progress but a foundation of it. An evergreen tree sapling crowns the building’s final steel beam, symbolizing the safe completion of the new structure’s frame.

Whether or not Congress moves forward with H.R. 86, the message from Huntsville is clear: The cities shaping the future of the South will be built not just with steel beams and floor plans—but with values, accountability, and a firm belief that progress and protection go hand in hand.