US Labor Department issues more than $900,000 in penalties to 2 companies after worker drowns in Georgia river

News Release

US Labor Department issues more than $900,000 in penalties to 2 companies after worker drowns in Georgia river

SAVANNAH, GA - The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Florida painting contractor for willfully exposing workers to fall and drowning hazards.

Investigators with the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administrationdetermined that on April 7, 2025, Seminole Equipment Inc. bridge painters were removing scaffolding from the southbound I-95 bridge on the Ogeechee River when one worker fell into the river and drowned. The agency concluded that the Tarpon Springs, Florida-based employer failed to ensure employees used fall protection and life jackets while working on the bridge section.

"A critical piece of our mission to put American workers first is ensuring they are safe and protected on the job," said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. "No American should go into work fearing they might not make it home at the end of the day. OSHA is taking concrete enforcement action to stop preventable tragedies."

"The Department of Labor is committed to protecting our nation's workforce by holding bad actors accountable," said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. "We will continue addressing careless practices when we see them to achieve our shared goal of safe and productive workplaces for all Americans."

OSHA cited Seminole Equipment Inc. for five willful and three serious violations and proposed $877,220 in penalties.

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

The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citationsand penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

Visit OSHA's website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.