OSHA cites Stanton, Neb., firm (1 preventable death)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20091216/NEWS01/712179980

Published Wednesday December 16, 2009

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Federal labor officials have proposed nearly $120,700 in fines against a Stanton company following the June death of a worker.

A news release from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Farmers Union Coop Supply Co. violated OSHA rules. The company was cited for one alleged willful and nine alleged serious violations after a worker suffocated while in an underground pit at a grain elevator.

OSHA says Farmers Union Coop willfully allowed its employees to work in a dangerous environment and the death could have been prevented.

The company has 15 days to contest the findings.

The company's manager was out of the office Tuesday and unavailable to comment.