The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited shipbuilding company North Florida Shipyards Inc., after an employee suffered fatal injuries at its Commodores Point facility in Jacksonville. The shipyard faces $271,061 in proposed penalties on the aftermath of the incident.
According to data provided by OSHA, the worker drowned after a pressured air manifold struck him and knocked him into the St. Johns River.
OSHA has cited the employer for safety violations, including:
- exposing employees to being struck-by, drowning, amputation, caught-in, and electrical hazards;
- allowing scuba divers to be unaccompanied by another diver; and
- failing to ensure machine guarding.
As this case demonstrates, it is important for employers to identify existing hazards, and follow required safety procedures to protect workers from serious injuries.
…said OSHA Jacksonville Acting Area Office Director, Buddy Underwood.
North Florida Shipyards has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions are implemented.
