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Worker Dies at Historic Judson Mill in Greenville

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 6:11 GMT by WYFF
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

GREENVILLE, S.C. (February 14th, 2026) - The quiet hum of Greenville's historic Judson Mill was shattered yesterday as a worker tragically lost their life while on duty. The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is currently conducting a full investigation into the incident, which occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13th. While authorities have yet to release the victim's name, pending family notification, the event has cast a somber shadow over the city and reignited conversations about workplace safety standards, particularly within the textile and manufacturing industries.

Judson Mill, a landmark in Greenville, holds a significant place in the city's history. Originally established in 1908, it was once a bustling hub of textile production, employing thousands and shaping the economic landscape of the region. Over the years, the mill has undergone transformations, adapting to the changing demands of the industry. While textile manufacturing has diminished in the U.S., Judson Mill has reinvented itself as a mixed-use development, incorporating residential lofts, office spaces, and retail establishments alongside ongoing light industrial operations. This blend of old and new presents unique safety challenges, demanding rigorous oversight and adherence to modern safety protocols.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified and is actively collaborating on the investigation. OSHA's involvement is crucial, as they possess the expertise to meticulously examine the work environment, identify potential hazards, and determine if safety regulations were violated. Their investigation will likely focus on several key areas: the specific machinery involved, the training provided to the worker, the presence and functionality of safety guards and procedures, and the overall safety culture within the mill.

This incident isn't happening in a vacuum. Industrial accidents, while hopefully rare, are a persistent concern across the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing consistently ranks among the sectors with the highest rates of workplace fatalities and injuries. While data from 2025 is still being compiled, preliminary reports suggest a slight uptick in manufacturing-related incidents, possibly due to increased production demands and, potentially, staffing shortages stemming from the ongoing economic adjustments.

Beyond OSHA's investigation, there will likely be calls for a broader review of safety practices at Judson Mill, and perhaps even across Greenville's industrial sector. This tragedy highlights the need for proactive safety measures, including regular risk assessments, comprehensive employee training programs, and a commitment from both management and workers to prioritize safety above all else. The incident also underscores the importance of reporting near-misses - events that could have resulted in injury - as a valuable opportunity to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents.

Local labor advocates are already demanding greater transparency from Judson Mill's management regarding safety records and ongoing improvement efforts. They argue that a culture of open communication and employee empowerment is essential to fostering a safe work environment. Some are also suggesting the need for increased independent inspections of industrial facilities, supplementing OSHA's regular visits.

The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate workplace. The loss of a life affects families, friends, and the entire Greenville community. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of industrial accidents and the importance of unwavering dedication to worker safety. As the investigation progresses, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards determining the cause of the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The coming weeks will be critical in establishing the facts and ensuring accountability, not only within Judson Mill but also across the wider industrial landscape of Greenville and beyond. The community awaits further details from both the Sheriff's Office and OSHA, hoping for a thorough and transparent investigation that will lead to meaningful improvements in workplace safety.