OSHA cited a Florida landscaper following the death of an employee who drowned when the lawnmower they were operating rolled over in a pond.
The employee drowned when the zero-turn lawnmower they were operating tipped over into a water retention pond in a residential neighborhood.
Inspector’s found that the mower’s roll-over protection system wasn’t engaged while the machine was being operated on a sloping embankment near the pond. Further, the mower was being operated on a slope that exceeded the limitations defined in the equipment manual.
OSHA determined that the landscaper could have avoided the fatality by following the safety measures outlined in the equipment operator’s manual.
Fine: $166,305
Company: TruScapes Industries Inc., Bradenton, Florida
Business: Landscaping services
Reasons for fine:
One willful violation for failing to:
- provide employment free from recognized crushed-by and drowning hazards that could lead to death or serious physical harm
One serious violation for failing to:
- provide drinking water for employees conducting landscaping activities in high heat conditions
