Florida Employer Cited for Workplace Safety Violations After Deadly Accident

On January 16th, 2025, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) announced that an employer in Florida has been cited for workplace safety violations following a deadly accident. Mosaic Fertilizer LLC is accused of workplace safety violations that contributed to the tragic death of a 29-year-old employee. In this article, you will find a more comprehensive overview of the sanctions.

Allegations: Failure to Ensure Machinery Had Proper Guarding in Place 

Mosaic Fertilizer LLC is a company based in the Tampa, Florida area. Tragically, a worker was killed in a machinery-related accident at its Mulberry facility in Polk County. As noted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a 29-year-old employee tragically lost his life after falling into an unguarded industrial ribbon blender. A ribbon blender is an industrial mixing device designed to blend powders, granules, or other materials in an even manner. While effective for blending, ribbon blenders can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken.

 Employer Cited for Two Serious Violations By OSHA 

An official investigation was conducted into the workplace death. After a comprehensive evaluation, OSHA determined that Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC failed to ensure proper guarding was in place and secured on the rotating parts. That workplace safety was a factor in the deadly accident. The Florida employer was cited for two serious violations. OSHA proposed $30,649 in financial penalties. The employer has fifteen business days to comply with the penalties or contest the sanctions.

Machinery Accidents are Among the Most Common Causes for Work-Related Fatalities 

Heavy machinery has the potential to be extraordinarily dangerous. All manufacturers and other employers that use heavy machines must put a strong priority on workplace safety. They should never allow profits to come before the health and well-being of workers. Notably, machinery accidents are one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities—particularly so industries like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Heavy machinery—including things like ribbon blenders and other industrial mixers—often contain fast-moving, powerful parts that can pose severe risks if safety standards are not strictly followed. Many machinery-related workplace accidents could and should have been prevented. Some of the most common causes of include:

• Inadequate Guarding: Machinery without proper guards leaves workers exposed to dangerous moving parts. Employers should install and maintain the proper guarding systems to prevent direct worker contact with hazardous components.
• Improper Maintenance: All heavy machinery must be proactively and continuously maintained. The failure to do so is a serious safety hazard. Worn-out parts or mechanical failures often contribute to preventable accidents.
• Insufficient Training: Finally, all workers who operate heavy machinery must be properly trained. Insufficient training of employees is a factor in many of these accidents. New employees face heightened job safety risks.

Get Help From an Employment Attorney in Florida 

Workplace safety regulations are strictly enforced. Employers must ensure that they follow all applicable standards in order to protect the health, safety, and well-being of their employees. If you have questions about a workplace safety issue, a Florida employment attorney can help.