Worker's Death at Adams Thermal Systems Results in $1.33 Million Fine
The company has to pay a fine as a result of a November 2011 accident
In November 2011, a worker at an Adams Thermal Systems plant in South Dakota was crushed in a machine that was used to make radiator cores. Now, almost two years later, the company has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with OSHA, which has determined that the company must pay $1.33 million in fines, according to OSHA.
As a result, $450,000 will go to the worker's spouse, with $450,000 as a criminal fine and $435,000 as a cumulative result of the company's various regulatory violations. The settlement was reached after discussions with the man's family.
The other violations that amount to $435,000 are a result of two investigations OSHA did after the accident in February 2012. Though there were 66 violations in all, the man's death was a result of management telling workers they could bypass the manufacturer's barrier guard.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has requested the agreement be approved by the U.S. District Court in South Dakota.
As a result of the prosecution, Adams Thermal Systems has vowed to implement a company-wide safety/health program, enlarge the size of its safety and health department, provide incentives for employees to report safety issues, hire a third party for reviewing lockout/tagout of all machinery, and more.