A recent investigation into the tragic death of a utility worker in New Port Richey, Florida, has uncovered multiple safety oversights, according to a confidential memo obtained by News Channel 8. The death, which occurred in September, raises serious concerns about training deficiencies and inadequate safety measures within the city’s utility operations.

Robert Rivera, the Public Works Director for New Port Richey, highlighted these critical issues in a memo addressed to the city manager. “I have concluded that a catastrophic failure of the implementation of best management practices for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confined space procedures occurred,” Rivera stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.