Submitted photo
Kenneth LaChance, 52, was killed March 4 in an industrial accident at Waukesha Iron and Metal, 1351 E Main St. OSHA released a report on Tuesday, Sept. 1, saying some forklifts were unsafe and the company did not train employees on operating them safely.
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Waukesha Iron & Metal for 11 safety violations after an investigation revealed an employee who died at the scrap yard was not wearing head protection.
OSHA labeled nine of the violations 'serious,' and is seeking $42,000 in fines from the scrap yard, according to a news release on Aug. 31.
Kenneth J. LaChance, a 52-year-old maintenance manager from Mukwonago, died of head and neck injuries March 4 after he was struck by a forklift at the Waukesha facility, 1351 E. Main St.
In a news release, OSHA said LaChance was working without head protection, and was hoisting an oxygen cylinder onto the forklift when the accident occurred.
OSHA said Waukesha Iron & Metal did not safely handle compressed gas cylinders or require workers to wear protective head equipment. OSHA also found some forklifts were unsafe and the company did not train employees on how to operate them safely.
'Proper safety training in using forklifts and handling cylinders and protective head safety gear could have prevented this tragedy,' said Christine Zortman, OSHA's area director in Milwaukee. 'Common-sense safety precautions should always be priority one on any work site.'
The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Waukesha Metal & Iron has been operating since 1956 and processes large scrap metal parts, including those from salvaged vehicles.