St. Augustine, FL (December 03, 2024) – An 18-year-old worker tragically lost his life Monday morning in an industrial accident at a road paint plant in St. Augustine. According to St. Johns County Fire Rescue, emergency crews were dispatched to Traffic Material Supplier, LLC, located on Industrial Drive near State Road 16, at around 10:40 AM. Upon arrival, they pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Traffic Material Supplier is a plant specializing in the production of granular thermoplastic pavement markings. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is handling the case. A medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
While details about the accident remain limited, St. Johns County Fire Rescue spokesperson Chris Naff confirmed that several other employees were in the building at the time of the incident. They quickly called 9-1-1 for help, but it remains unclear how close they were to the victim when the accident occurred. Naff also noted that while safety protocols were reportedly in place, it has yet to be confirmed whether all safety systems were functioning correctly at the time.
Workplace injuries in industrial settings are not uncommon, with this particular area of St. Augustine being home to several other industrial businesses. Naff mentioned that industrial accidents are responded to a few times each year, but this case marks a particularly tragic outcome.
A plant manager stated that the deceased worker was responsible for handling the paint bags and preparing them for distribution. The company has expressed their grief, but the manager declined to provide further details. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is expected to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the accident starting Tuesday morning.
At this time, the company has no prior record of violations according to the OSHA database.
Industrial Accidents in Florida
Industrial accidents can be dangerous and life-threatening, especially when they involve heavy machinery or hazardous materials. In Florida, OSHA regulations are critical in maintaining worker safety, but as seen in this case, accidents can still occur. The investigation by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, along with the upcoming review by OSHA, will likely provide further clarity on the safety measures in place at the plant and what went wrong in this tragic accident.
Local Accident Reports will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available. We send our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the young worker who lost his life in this devastating incident.