OSHA issues more than $900,000 in penalties after worker drowns

October 2, 2205

The U.S. Labor Department cited a Florida painting contractor for willfully exposing employees to fall and drowning hazards after a worker fell into a river near Savannah, Georgia, and drowned.

Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration looked into the April 7 incident, in which bridge painters with Seminole Equipment “were removing scaffolding from the southbound (Interstate 95) bridge on the Ogeechee River when one worker fell into the river and drowned.”

OSHA concluded that Seminole Equipment did not ensure that employees used fall protection and life jackets while working on the bridge section.

The agency cited the company, based in Tarpon Springs, Florida, for five willful and three serious violations and proposed $877,220 in penalties.

It also issued two serious violations to the controlling employer for the site, The L.C. Whitford Co., and proposed a $26,480 penalty.

The companies have 15 days from notice to appeal.