A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor has revealed that a phosphatic fertilizer manufacturer in Mulberry, Florida, failed to adhere to essential safety standards. This failure resulted in the death of a 29-year-old process operator in July 2024.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that Mosaic Fertilizer LLC did not have proper guarding or security for the rotating parts of their industrial ribbon blenders. These machines mix finished fertilizer with coating oil. The incident occurred when the worker was collecting a sample for analysis and fell into an unguarded blender.

"This unfortunate incident could have been prevented had Mosaic Fertilizer LLC ensured all machines were secured and guarded," said OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra in Tampa, Florida. "In this case, the employer failed to protect workers as the law requires. No employee should lose their life because an employer neglects basic safety measures."

OSHA has issued two serious violations against Mosaic Fertilizer LLC and proposed penalties amounting to $30,649.

Mosaic Fertilizer LLC operates out of Mulberry with 600 employees at that location and employs 2,500 workers nationwide.

The company now has 15 business days from receiving its citations and penalties to either comply with OSHA's requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.