OSHA to Investigate Fatal Grain Mill Accident
Emergency crews were called to a Montana grain mill on Tuesday after a worker was reported as having lost a leg from stepping in an auger. The worker, identified as Barry Ladd, later died from those injuries. According to the Great Falls Tribune, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will open an investigation into the fatal accident.
About the Fatal Grain Mill Accident
The accident happened at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the Great Falls Montana Specialty Mills facility in Great Falls, Mont. Crews attempted to save Ladd but he unfortunately died due to blood loss.
The regional OSHA office in Billings, Mont. was notified and sent an official to conduct an investigation as is required in fatal workplace accidents. The conclusion of that investigation can take several months.
Past OSHA Violations
OSHA records indicate the Great Falls facility was fined $24,000 in 2012 for seven safety violations. Two of those violations were for protective coverings of floors and revolving parts. The remaining violations included floor cleanliness, electrical equipment, and protocols for working in confined spaces.
Billings-area OSHA director Jeff Funke told reporters that violations are common in the grain industry.
