In a January incident, the U.S. Department of Labor discovered deficiencies in safety measures by Downrite Engineering Corporation were a contributing factor to a diver's drowning during dredging work in a canal, a July 31 DOL news release said. The company had neglected to provide proper training to the divers regarding emergency procedures.
“Our investigation found Downrite Engineering Corp. did not follow required standards to protect workers who conduct commercial diving activities,” OSHA Area Office Director Condell Eastmond in Fort Lauderdale, Fla, said in the release. “This company’s failures before, during and after this tragedy are inexcusable and now this diver’s family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve their terrible loss.”
Headquartered in Miami, Downrite Engineering Corp. is involved in excavation, storm drainage system installations and other heavy equipment operations and construction activities, employing more than 400 people, according to the DOL release.
The excavation contractor has a history of federal workplace safety violations, and has been cited for 18 serious violations by OSHA following an investigation into the January 2023 incident in which a 48-year-old diver drowned while removing debris in a canal with limited visibility, the release reported. OSHA found the contractor could have prevented the fatality by implementing required rescue procedures. The proposed penalties for the violations amount to $258,935.
Since 2018, OSHA has cited Downrite Engineering for various safety violations, including failure to provide timely medical attention to an injured worker and not having medical services and first aid readily available in 2019, according to the release. The recent investigation revealed multiple failures, such as the lack of training for dive teams in underwater task techniques and emergency procedures, failure to assess water conditions before diving and not providing safety equipment such as harnesses and two-way communication systems for workers.
The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the release said.
