The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Olin Landscaping—based in Venice, Florida—for failing to protect employees working in excessive heat after an employee succumbed to fatal heat-related symptoms while performing lawn maintenance at a residence in Nokomis, Florida.
The heat index reached between 97 and 103 degrees on August 25, 2018. OSHA cited Olin Landscaping for exposing employees to outdoor heat hazards, failing to protect employees from heat-related illnesses and injuries, and failing to report the workplace fatality to OSHA within eight hours, as required. The company faces $16,102 in penalties.
"This preventable tragedy underscores the requirement that employers take precautions—such as ensuring access to water, rest, and shade—to keep workers safe while working in extreme heat," said OSHA Tampa Area Office Director Les Grove.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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