Shipyard cited for safety violations after worker drowns

A Florida shipbuilding and repair company is facing federal workplace safety citations and proposed fines totaling $271,061 after an employee drowning.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited North Florida Shipyards Inc. after an employee suffered fatal injuries at its Commodores Point facility in Jacksonville, Florida, the agency said Monday in a statement. The worker drowned after a pressurized air manifold struck him and knocked him into the St. Johns River.

OSHA 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, according to the statement.

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.