Jacksonville company cited by OSHA, facing more than $271,000 in penalties following deadly accident

Jacksonville, FL — North Florida Shipyards Inc., a shipbuilding and repair company with a facility in Jacksonville, is facing $271,061 in proposed penalties, after a deadly accident involving one of their employees.

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited North Florida Shipyards, after they say a worker drowned at their Commodores Point Facility when a pressured air manifold struck him and knocked him into the St. Johns River.

"As this case demonstrates, it is important for employers to identify existing hazards, and follow required safety procedures to protect workers from serious injuries," says OSHA Jacksonville Acting Area Office Director Buddy Underwood.

North Florida Shipyards has 15 business days from receiving its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings.