Reavis High School in Burbank took action to repair a deteriorating exterior staircase following directives from the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The school’s compliance followed a complaint filed in April that identified the eroded stairs at the Austin Avenue entrance as a potential trip and fall risk for employees.
The complaint included photographs showing the worn edges of the stairs and partial crumbling of concrete from a stair railing. Initially, Illinois OSHA issued a complaint, which was not responded to by the school. In May, a second letter was sent, warning that an on-site inspection could be scheduled without a proper response.
By July 16, 2026, repairs to the Austin Avenue entrance were evident. However, some areas of damage remained visible. Reavis High School District 220 Superintendent Dan Riordan did not comment directly to the Daily Southtown but did provide OSHA with photographs demonstrating the repairs made around the railing.
In communications with OSHA, Riordan confirmed the school’s intent for a comprehensive renovation of the main gym and auditorium entrances, with bidding planned later this year and construction projected to begin in 2027. He stated, “There is a plan in place to replace and renovate the entire area within the next 12 – 18 months.”
Riordan also mentioned that an independent team conducted a walk-through of the building during the annual audit, finding no safety code violations. He acknowledged that the steps and railings may not be visually appealing but contested any claims of them being unsafe or non-compliant.