An OSHA determined a Mulberry, Flordia phosphatic fertilizer manufacturer failed to follow required safety standards, leading to the tragic loss of a 29-year-old process operator in July 2024. 

Investigators found that Mosaic Fertilizer LLC did not ensure the rotating portion of the east and west industrial ribbon blenders – a device that mixes the finished fertilizer with a coating oil – had the proper guarding in place or secured. The worker, who was collecting a sample for analysis, suffered fatal injuries after falling into the unguarded ribbon 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 issued the employer two serious violations and proposed $30,649 in penalties.