NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – A recent U.S. Department of Labor inspection has revealed concerning safety lapses at Detyens Shipyards Inc. in North Charleston, resulting in the tragic death of a 41-year-old worker. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the shipyard's negligence led to the fatal fall, marking the fourth employee fatality in five years.
OSHA Area Office Director Kim Morton expressed grave concern over the recurring safety issues at Detyens Shipyards, stating, "For the fourth time in five years, Detyens Shipyards failed in its primary responsibility to keep its employees safe, and now another worker’s family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve a terrible and needless loss." Morton emphasized the urgency of addressing the violations, noting, "Since 2014, OSHA has identified dozens of serious violations that are clearly jeopardizing their employees’ lives, and this must end."
The inspection revealed that the shipyard willfully exposed workers to fall hazards by allowing access to a platform level without guardrails. Additionally, serious violations were cited for inadequate lighting in work areas, failure to ensure workers wore hard hats, and the use of damaged equipment. As a result, OSHA has proposed $190,130 in penalties for the safety violations uncovered during the November inspection.
Detyens Shipyards has faced a troubling pattern of workplace fatalities, with four employees losing their lives since 2019, including two fatal falls in 2020 and 2022. OSHA's records show a history of 33 serious violations identified in 18 inspections conducted since 2014, raising concerns about the company's commitment to employee safety.
Established in 1962, Detyens Shipyards Inc. provides ship repair and servicing facilities, serving as a federal contractor for the Department of Defense. With a workforce of 510 employees in North Charleston, the company operates various docks, cranes, and pier spaces to support its operations.
Following the inspection findings, Detyens Shipyards has been given 15 days to address the citations and penalties, with options to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers are encouraged to prioritize workplace safety by accessing resources on OSHA's website and seeking compliance assistance in industries such as maritime.
The tragic incident at Detyens Shipyards underscores the critical importance of upholding safety standards in the workplace to prevent avoidable accidents and protect employees from harm.
