Workers Drowning Leads to More Than $900K in Penalties for Two Companies
OSHA has proposed more than $900,000 in penalties after a bridge painter fell into a Georgia river and drowned, citing two companies for serious safety violations.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Oct 01, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed more than $900,000 in penalties against two companies after a bridge painter fell into a Georgia river and drowned earlier this year.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Seminole Equipment Inc., a Florida painting contractor, for five willful and three serious violations following an April 7, 2025, incident on the southbound I-95 bridge over the Ogeechee River. Investigators determined the employer failed to ensure workers were wearing fall protection or life jackets while removing scaffolding from the bridge.
OSHA proposed $877,220 in penalties for Seminole Equipment. The agency also cited The L.C. Whitford Co. Inc., the controlling employer at the site, for two serious violations and proposed an additional $26,480 in penalties.
“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.”
Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling said the department “is committed to protecting our nation’s workforce by holding bad actors accountable” and will continue addressing unsafe practices to improve workplace safety.
Both companies have 15 business days from receiving the citations 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 during the case process.
More information is available on OSHA’s establishment search page for updates on inspection and penalty status.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.