OSHA Cites Double Dutch Dairy after Worker Fatally Injured
The worker was injured by a front-end loader in Shelby, Neb.
A Latino worker was fatally injured after being struck by a front-end loader hauling hay at Double Dutch Dairy in in Shelby, Neb., on June 17, 2014, according to an OSHA news release. OSHA has cited the company for four serious safety violations after an inspection found that the driver's view was obstructed.
"This was a horrible and senseless tragedy. No worker should ever lose their life because they did not receive adequate training or protection," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha. "Latino workers take some of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in America and are injured on the job at higher rates than other workers. Last year, on average, two Latino workers were fatally injured each day. This worker should not have been a part of that statistic."
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 797 Hispanic workers suffered fatal work-related injuries in 2013. This year in Nebraska, three Latino workers have lost their lives so far.
OSHA's investigation found employees were exposed to struck-by hazards and they were neither trained in safe equipment operation nor required to use seat belt restraints. The company failed to develop, implement and maintain a written hazard communication program to train workers about hazardous chemicals used in the workplace and necessary safety precautions when handling them.
OSHA has proposed fines of $22,500 for the four serious violations.