A Florida-based lumber company said today it “vigorously” disagrees with the findings of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation that said its failure to follow federal safety standards resulted in the death of a worker last year.

Rex Lumber also said OSHA, in announcing a $184,385 fine on Wednesday, had attributed violations to it in a news release that were actually those of an unrelated company.

“If necessary, we’ll defend the company in court, but rest assured that we will also continue to constantly improve our workplace, as well as to cooperate and partner with OSHA as opportunities permit. Both Rex and OSHA want safe workers.”

The fine stems from the Dec. 22, 2022 death of Evan Kilpatrick, 20, of Troy, who died from injuries while part of six-person work detail. According to OSHA, Kilpatrick was crushed while trying to clear a jammed roller.

In a statement, Rex Lumber said it “was devastated to lose a coworker” and continues “to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.” However, the announcement of fines came after initial findings, not a full investigation, the company said.

“Federal-OSHA has a vital mission to ensure employers are aware of its regulations,” the company stated. “It uses these Press Releases to get attention, but the underlying cases almost always turn out differently after the entire process is completed.”

Rex Lumber also said OSHA, in its release, had erroneously attributed violations to it that actually belonged to a different company doing business in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Virginia.

“Similar name, but NOT us, and their additional violations should not be publicly attributed to us,” Rex stated.

Representatives of OSHA did not immediate respond to requests for comment.

“We have cooperated with OSHA and continue our efforts to always make our plants even safer,” the company stated. “It’s been a tough time and our employees have worked hard.”