OSHA investigated Southeastern Subcontractors Inc., after an employee died from hyperthermia while working at a residential site in Jacksonville, Fla. The company was cited for exposing employees to heat-related injuries (such as hyperthermia), and failing to report a workplace fatality to OSHA within eight hours. OSHA proposed penalties of $22,173.

“Employees exposed to heat on the job – whether indoors or outdoors – are at an increased risk of suffering heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA Jacksonville Area Office Director. “Tragedies such as these can be prevented if employers develop and implement a heat illness prevention program, and provide employees with water, rest, and shade.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

For more information, read the news release.