2 New Jersey Firms Fined in Worker’s Heat-Related Death

Federal officials say two central New Jersey businesses face $7,000 fines stemming from the heat-related death of a sanitation worker in May.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found Waste Management of Trenton and Ewing-based Labor Ready of Northeast didn’t ensure that workers who collected trash during elevated heat conditions consumed enough fluids. It also found they didn’t properly train employees on recognizing and responding to heat stress.

The findings stem from an investigation into the death of Mark Jefferson, a 47-year-old Trenton resident. He showed signs of illness while working at the Waste Management plant in Hopewell during a heat wave, and later died at a hospital.

The $7,000 fines are the maximum penalty that can be imposed. The companies have 15 days to pay or challenge the fines.