Crane Operator Killed at U.S. Steel Plant Identified

According to the Detroit Free Press, the crane operator killed in an accident last week at U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Works plant in Ecorse, MI has been identified as 36-year-old Christopher Casto of Warren.

More about the Crane Accident

Reports state Casto was ejected from a crane he was operating when it tipped over, killing him. A statement from U.S. Steel said that he was an employee of Connelly Crane, a contractor. An autopsy performed over the weekend declared Casto’s death to be an accident.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) have opened an investigation into the accident.

Second Fatality in Four Months

Casto’s death was the second fatality at the plant in the past four months. On Dec. 15, one worker was killed and two others hurt in an explosion. Accident reports state a ladle tipped over, causing a fire and explosion.

MIOSHA has conducted four on-site investigations in the past three years due to safety and health complaints. Although previous investigations yielded nothing, the fourth, conducted in 2011, resulted in one serious and one non-serious citation totaling $1,400 for obstructing exits.

Michigan Fatal Workplace Accidents

MIOSHA recorded 27 workplace fatalities state-wide in 2013. The majority of worker fatalities were caused by falling or being crushed. This year already MIOSHA has 10 reported worker fatalities, including Casto’s death.

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